Apple Unveils New iPad Pro With M5 Chip and Major AI Performance Boost

Apple has unveiled its new iPad Pro, powered by the next-generation M5 chip that marks the company's biggest leap yet in AI performance. The updated models also feature faster storage, increased memory bandwidth, and upgraded wireless capabilities with Wi-Fi 7 and a more efficient cellular modem.

The new iPad Pro is powered by the M5 chip, which was recently announced for the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro. The M5 introduces a new 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, delivering up to 3.5 times faster AI performance than the M4 and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1. The chip also features a faster 10-core CPU and an improved 16-core Neural Engine.




Unified memory bandwidth sees a nearly 30 percent increase to over 150 GB/s, while storage read and write speeds are up to twice as fast. The 256 GB and 512 GB models now come with 12 GB of RAM—up from 8 GB in the M4 versions—a detail confirmed by a recent leaked unboxing video. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging and can reach 50 percent in about 30 minutes when using Apple's new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.

Connectivity gets a major boost with two new Apple-designed chips. Cellular models now include the C1X modem, which offers up to 50 percent faster cellular performance while using 30 percent less power. All models also gain the N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. The new chips were first introduced in the iPhone 17 lineup.



The M5 iPad Pro retains the ultra-thin design of the previous generation, with the 11-inch model measuring just 5.3mm and the 13-inch a striking 5.1mm. It continues to feature the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology, delivering up to 1600 nits peak brightness and offering an optional nano-texture glass finish for reduced glare.




Running on iPadOS 26, the new models take advantage of a redesigned interface built on Apple's new Liquid Glass design language and a powerful new windowing system that makes it easier to work with multiple apps at once.



The new iPad Pro is compatible with existing pro accessories, including the Magic Keyboard with an aluminum palm rest and function row, as well as Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

The new iPad Pro is available to pre-order starting today, with in-store availability beginning Wednesday, October 22. The 11-inch model starts at $999 for Wi-Fi and $1,199 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, while the 13-inch model starts at $1,299 for Wi-Fi and $1,499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular.

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