New iPad Pro with M5 chip: The tablet of the future

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With the new iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip, Apple is launching the most powerful tablet in its history. The new processor delivers tremendous performance improvements in AI, graphics, and multitasking, making the iPad Pro a true workhorse for professionals. Combined with the new iPadOS 26, the redesigned display, and faster connections, Apple is redefining what a tablet can do.

The iPad Pro has always been the pinnacle of the iPad lineup. With the introduction of the M5 chip, Apple is taking it a step further. The new chip not only delivers a significant performance boost, but also focuses on artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, and smoother operation. At the same time, the design is even slimmer, the display brighter, and the entire system more efficient. The result is a device that definitively blurs the lines between tablet and computer.

M5 Chip: The engine of the new iPad Pro

At the heart of the new iPad Pro is the M5 chip, featuring a 10-core GPU and a new architecture. Each core has its own neural accelerator, noticeably improving performance in AI applications. Compared to the iPad Pro with M4, the M5 delivers up to 3.5 times faster AI performance and is 5.6 times faster than the iPad Pro with M1.

The 16-core Neural Engine ensures efficient processing of tasks directly on the device. This allows applications such as diffusion-based image generation in Draw Things or AI video masking in DaVinci Resolve to be used without a cloud connection. This saves energy and noticeably accelerates workflows. The M5 is designed for AI and offers the most powerful on-device AI on an iPad to date.

Performance at a new level

The M5's graphics performance reaches a new level. Thanks to a third-generation ray tracing engine, the iPad Pro displays realistic lighting, shadows, and reflection effects. 3D rendering is up to 1.5 times faster than its predecessor with the M4 and up to 6.7 times faster than the iPad Pro with the M1. The increased performance is also evident in video editing: In Final Cut Pro, video transcoding is up to six times faster, AI image generation in Draw Things is up to four times faster, and DaVinci Resolve achieves up to 3.7 times faster speed with AI-assisted video upscaling.

The M5's CPU consists of up to ten cores, including four performance cores and six efficiency cores. Apple calls them the world's fastest CPU cores. This makes even computationally intensive tasks like vector graphics, architectural projects, or working with large data sets significantly smoother.

More memory, more speed, better multitasking

The iPad Pro now offers over 150 GB per second of memory bandwidth—about 30 percent more than its predecessor. Read and write speeds have also been doubled. The 256 and 512 GB models come standard with 12 GB of RAM, 50 percent more than before. This provides improved multitasking performance and faster processing of data and AI models.

Apple has also improved charging. With an optional 70W USB-C power adapter, the iPad Pro reaches 50 percent battery charge in about 30 minutes. The new windowing system in iPadOS 26 also makes working with multiple apps simultaneously more efficient.

C1X and N1: Connected faster than ever before

The iPad Pro Cellular model uses the new C1X modem chip, which delivers up to 50 percent faster mobile data connections while consuming up to 30 percent less power. This makes even data-intensive applications easy to use on the go. The device supports GPS and 5G and allows for easy addition or transfer of cellular plans via eSIM.

The new N1 chip provides a modern network architecture with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This improves the stability and speed of connections, especially for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.

Display and design

The new iPad Pro is Apple's thinnest iPad yet. The 11-inch model measures 5.3 mm, while the 13-inch model is just 5.1 mm. Despite its slim design, the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology delivers exceptional brightness and contrast. It achieves up to 1,000 nits of brightness across the entire screen and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness for HDR content.

An optional version with nano-textured glass is available, reducing glare without compromising image quality. The iPad Pro also supports external displays up to 120 Hz and features Adaptive-Sync for smoother motion and low latency—ideal for gaming or professional video editing.

iPadOS 26: More control and new possibilities

With iPadOS 26, the iPad Pro gets an operating system specifically tuned to the performance of the M5 chip. The new design is based on Liquid Glass, a material that responds to the environment and inputs. The redesigned window system makes it easier to work with multiple apps, while a new menu bar provides quick access to commands.

The Files app has been redesigned, allowing for more flexible organization and customization of folders. You can now set a default app for specific file types. The Preview app is also new and offers extensive PDF features like markup and auto-fill with Apple Pencil. Apple Intelligence also brings new features like Live Translation in FaceTime and Messages, smart actions in Shortcuts, and automatic categorization in Reminders.

Accessories for the iPad Pro

Apple offers new accessories that make the iPad Pro even more versatile. The Apple Pencil Pro brings precise control and new haptic features. The Magic Keyboard is thinner and lighter than before and features a row of function keys and an aluminum palm rest. The Smart Folio protects the device and supports multiple viewing angles, allowing the iPad Pro to be used as both a creative tool and a mobile work device.

Environmentally friendly design

Apple continues to pursue its goal of completely carbon-neutral production by 2030. The new iPad Pro contributes to this goal: The casing is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum, all magnets contain recycled rare earth elements, and the cobalt in the battery comes entirely from recycled sources. The packaging is fiber-based and fully recyclable. The device is produced using 55 percent renewable energy, including wind and solar power.

Prices and availability

The iPad Pro with M5 is available for pre-order now and will be available in stores from October 22nd. The 11-inch model starts at €1,099 for the Wi-Fi version and €1,349 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. The 13-inch model starts at €1,449 and €1,699, respectively. Both models are available in Space Black and Silver and are offered with 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB of storage. Discounted prices apply for education: the 11-inch model starts at €969, and the 13-inch model starts at €1,319.

The Apple Pencil Pro costs €149, and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) costs €89. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is available for €349 for the 11-inch model and €399 for the 13-inch model. The Smart Folio is also available. Apple also offers a new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter for €45.

The iPad Pro sets new standards in every discipline

The iPad Pro with the M5 chip clearly demonstrates how far Apple has advanced tablet technology. It combines extreme performance with advanced AI, a brilliant display, fast connections, and sustainable design. The combination of hardware, software, and accessories makes the iPad Pro a tool that enables both professional work and creative projects. Anyone seeking a powerful, future-proof, and versatile device will find the new iPad Pro the next-generation benchmark. (Image: Apple)