Apple has officially introduced the latest iteration of its iPad Pro lineup, featuring the powerful M5 chip, advanced connectivity options including Wi-Fi 7, and the proprietary C1X modem in cellular models. The new iPad Pro is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with prices starting at $999 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and $1,299 for the 13-inch Wi-Fi model.
M5 Chip: A Leap in Performance
At the heart of the new iPad Pro is Apple’s M5 chip, which boasts a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This configuration delivers a 3.5x increase in performance for Apple Intelligence tasks compared to its predecessor. The M5 chip incorporates neural accelerators from the A19, enhancing capabilities in graphics-intensive applications such as ray tracing and machine learning tasks. Apple highlights several performance improvements:
– Up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X compared to the M1 iPad Pro, and 1.5x faster than the M4 model.
– Up to 6x faster video transcoding in Final Cut Pro for iPad compared to the M1 iPad Pro, and 1.2x faster than the M4 model.
– Up to 4x faster AI image generation in Draw Things for iPad compared to the M1 iPad Pro, and 2x faster than the M4 model.
– Up to 3.7x faster AI video upscaling in DaVinci Resolve for iPad compared to the M1 iPad Pro, and 2.3x faster than the M4 model.
Additionally, the new iPad Pro offers double the storage read and write speeds of previous models. The 256GB and 512GB variants now come with 12GB of unified memory, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
Display Enhancements
The new iPad Pro retains the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED panels, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. Standard content brightness remains at 1,000 nits, while HDR content can reach up to 1,600 nits. The display features a fully laminated design with resolutions of 2,240 by 1,668 pixels for the 11-inch model and 2,752 by 2,064 pixels for the 13-inch model. ProMotion technology, Wide Color (P3) support, and Apple Pencil Hover functionality are also included. For the 1TB and 2TB models, a Nano-texture glass option is available for an additional $100.
Advanced Connectivity
The new iPad Pro introduces Apple’s N1 chip, enabling support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Cellular models are equipped with Apple’s C1X modem, delivering up to 50% faster cellular data performance and up to 30% reduced power consumption compared to the M4 iPad Pro.
Camera and Audio Features
The rear camera system includes a 12MP Wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture and 5x digital zoom. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps, external recording for ProRes video, and 1080p slo-mo at 240fps. The device also features four-speaker audio and four studio-quality microphones, ensuring high-quality sound for media consumption and recording.
Design and Accessories
The new iPad Pro maintains a sleek design with a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port and a rear Smart Connector. Apple has also introduced a black Magic Keyboard option for the 13-inch iPad Air, expanding accessory choices for users.
Availability and Pricing
Preorders for the M5 iPad Pro began on October 15, 2025, with availability starting on October 22. Pricing is as follows:
– 11-inch iPad Pro: $999 for Wi-Fi, $1,199 for Wi-Fi + Cellular
– 13-inch iPad Pro: $1,299 for Wi-Fi, $1,499 for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Educational discounts are available, reducing the starting prices to $899 for the 11-inch model and $1,199 for the 13-inch model. The Nano-texture glass upgrade is an additional $100 on applicable models.
