Apple has unveiled the next-generation iPad Pro, calling it the most powerful and intelligent iPad to date. After months of anticipation, the new model arrives with the M5 chip, faster charging, and a major leap in on-device AI, signaling a clear step beyond the M4 generation.
The latest iPad Pro blends power, intelligence, and a refined design to elevate the professional tablet experience. It’s also the thinnest device Apple has ever made. The 11-inch model is just 5.3 mm thick, while the larger 13-inch version comes in at 5.1 mm. Despite the slimmer profile, the chassis feels sturdier thanks to precision aluminum machining. Up front, the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED delivers deeper blacks, higher peak brightness, and more lifelike HDR, making creative work and entertainment look stunning.
At the heart of the upgrade is the M5 chip. It features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, with each core including a Neural Accelerator to push AI performance and graphics workloads further. Paired with a 16-core Neural Engine, the tablet is built for advanced AI tasks, from rendering and video effects to generative tools. Connectivity also gets a big boost via the new N1 wireless chip, which brings Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. For cellular models, the C1X modem promises up to 50 percent faster speeds.
Performance claims are bold. According to Apple, the M5 delivers up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 and up to 5.6x faster than the M1 iPad Pro. The upgraded GPU architecture and per-core Neural Accelerator contribute to smoother rendering, accelerated generative AI, and snappier performance in pro-grade apps, giving creators and power users desktop-class efficiency in a portable form factor.
On-device intelligence is a major focus. The enhanced Neural Engine enables diffusion-based image generation in apps like Draw Things, AI video masking, and more advanced workflows powered by foundation models. Apple emphasizes that these features are designed to keep tasks private by handling as much as possible on the device itself, laying the groundwork for Apple Intelligence experiences without relying heavily on the cloud.
Charging gets faster, too. The new iPad Pro supports quick charging to 50 percent in around 30 minutes when using a 40W or higher adapter, improving day-to-day convenience. Apple has not disclosed battery capacity, total endurance, or full charge times, so real-world testing will paint the complete picture.
Configurations start at 256 GB and go up to 2 TB. Notably, the 256 GB and 512 GB options now include 12 GB of unified memory, a first for these lower tiers, while higher-capacity models step up with even more RAM. The result is smoother multitasking, faster large-file handling, and better throughput for AI-driven workflows.
Pre-orders are open now, with shipments beginning October 22. Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch Wi‑Fi model and $1,199 for the 11-inch Cellular version. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299 for Wi‑Fi and $1,499 for Cellular.
With the M5 iPad Pro, Apple isn’t just refreshing its flagship tablet; it’s redefining what a portable computer can be. Between the Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display, cutting-edge M5 performance, on-device AI, faster connectivity, and smarter memory configurations, this generation aims to set a new standard for creative professionals, students, and power users who want laptop-level capability in a sleek, ultra-thin tablet.
