IPad Pro M5: Apple's most powerful tablet

The iPad Pro M5 model represents a new level of tablets, combining a minimalist design with Apple's most powerful technical capabilities. This is not just a tablet, but a complete working tool for professional tasks. In this article, we will present the latest Apple tablet, with the most important design and technical details.

Design

The appearance of the iPad Pro M5 is identical to the previous model. The device's matte aluminum case is lightweight, but at the same time durable. The "iPad Pro" logo on the back has disappeared, which marks a transition to minimalism. The tablet has narrow bezels and smooth edges, which makes it comfortable to hold in any position. The iPad Pro M5 is fully compatible with the 2024 model accessories (Magic Keyboard, Smart Folio), which is a significant advantage for users who want to update their Apple tablet.

Productivity

The Apple M5 is a processor designed for artificial intelligence. Models with a capacity of 1 TB and more have a 10-core processor (4 high-performance cores + 6 energy-efficient cores). In multi-threaded tasks (rendering, code compilation), productivity has increased by 15%, while the process execution time has been significantly reduced.

The 16-core Neural Engine delivers 3.5-4x the performance of the M4 in machine learning. This allows Apple Intelligence to work immediately, and professional applications like DaVinci Resolve to apply AI effects in real time without the need to upload data to the cloud.

The base model comes with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB on the previous generation. 153GB/s of memory bandwidth (30% more) ensures instantaneous data exchange between the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.

The read/write speed of the built-in memory has been doubled. This means that large PSD files, photo libraries, and video projects open almost instantly, and data transfers are fast via Thunderbolt.

Gaming capabilities

Thanks to the introduction of the M5 GPU with ray tracing, the iPad Pro and modern game consoles are competing with each other. Support for technologies such as MetalFX makes it possible to run AAA games (Resident Evil 4, Assassin's Creed Mirage, Death Stranding, Director's Cut), which are distinguished by detailed graphics, complex lighting and high frame rates. ProMotion and HDR display add a cinematic experience. High-quality game optimization for iPadOS and the absence of overheating during long gaming sessions (compared to the previous generation) make the tablet, without a doubt, the best device for premium mobile gaming.

Screen

The device has acquired a more advanced display - Ultra Retina XDR, which is equipped with dual OLED technology (two layers of LEDs) and remains a leader in the following areas:

Brightness and contrast: 1000 nits of brightness for SDR content and 1600 nits for HDR ensure that movies, games, and photos are rich and vivid.

Adaptive ProMotion (10–120 Hz): The system has learned to adjust the refresh rate more precisely: 24 Hz for movies, variable refresh rate for smooth transitions, and 120 Hz for maximum responsiveness in pen and games. This option saves battery life without compromising your viewing experience.

Viewing angles and color reproduction: P3 color gamut, precise tuning, and uniform backlighting make images perfectly readable from any angle.

Anti-reflective Nano-coating: Available on models starting at 1 TB. The coating significantly reduces glare, making iPad Pro M5 comfortable to use even in bright light with accurate color reproduction.

Works with external monitors: The Thunderbolt connector now supports displaying images on an external display at up to 120 Hz and 6K resolution, which is important for professional editing and comfortable gaming on a large screen.

iPad Pro M5 is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Cameras

The tablet's cameras are primarily designed for work, scanning, and communication tools. However, their capabilities also meet professional needs.

The 12 MP main camera allows you to take detailed photos with a wide dynamic range Smart HDR 4. Its main advantage is support for 4K ProRes video recording at 60 FPS. The video stabilization function works flawlessly.

The 12 MP front camera has Center Stage. The AI ​​chip automatically frames the image, smoothly zooms in and out, and widens the field of view when another person appears in the frame. Face ID works instantly.

LiDAR scanner. Indispensable for interior designers and architects (allows you to take measurements in a room), for working with AR applications (precisely positioning objects in space), and for 3D modeling.

Software

Apple iPad Pro M5 runs iPadOS 26. Key features include:

Liquid Glass: Apple has redesigned the visual language with an emphasis on transparency, depth, and physics. Panels, menus, and widgets now feature glass textures.

Deep integration of Apple Intelligence: The power of the M5 neural engine is unleashed in the system’s AI capabilities, from advanced typing with auto-correction and prediction to image creation and long document summarization in Image Playground. All operations are processed on-device, ensuring privacy and speed.

Professional APIs: Developers will be able to take advantage of the new camera, LiDAR sensors, and Neural Engine to run complex local ML models.

Sound

Four tuned speakers that automatically adjust to the position of the tablet create a spacious, clear and loud sound with deep bass. Three studio microphones allow you to record voice clearly.

Wireless connection

One of the most significant improvements is the completely redesigned wireless module. iPad Pro M5 is the first Apple tablet to have the following features:

Wi-Fi 7 based on the Apple N1 chip. This new standard provides improved performance in congested networks (for example, in office environments). Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology significantly reduces latency (ping) and improves connection stability, ensuring high-speed downloads of large files from the cloud, uninterrupted video streaming in maximum quality and seamless integration with other devices in the ecosystem, even with dozens of surrounding networks.

Apple C1X cellular modem. The rejection of Qualcomm solutions in favor of our own design has yielded positive results. The C1X modem, first introduced in iPhone, delivers 50% faster data transfer speeds and 30% lower power consumption on 5G networks. This means longer battery life when traveling and the ability to quickly download and upload large files (such as RAW photos or 4K ProRes videos).

Bluetooth 6.0: Provides a more stable and energy-efficient connection to accessories, including Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard, headphones, and game controllers.

Battery Life and Charging

Despite the performance improvements, Apple has maintained a battery life of 10 hours when browsing over Wi-Fi. This is confirmed in the real world: the tablet works for a full workday (8-9 hours) with active use (browsing, office applications, video calls, and taking notes), with a 10-15% increase in battery life. This is possible due to two factors: the energy efficiency of the 3 nm M5 chip and the optimization of the new C1X modem.

Using a compatible 60 W or higher adapter (for example, in the case of a MacBook), the iPad Pro M5 can be charged to 50% of its charge in just 30 minutes.

Tablet accessories

The tablet comes with a USB-C cable. The power adapter is not included, a decision dictated both by environmental concerns (many users already have power adapters) and by commercial strategy. For fast charging, you need to purchase a separate adapter with a capacity of at least 60 W.

iPad Pro M5. Who is this tablet for?

Apple developers have significantly improved the performance of the iPad Pro, which may be more attractive to a professional audience. The Apple iPad Pro M5 blurs the lines between tablet and PC for creative and technical professionals, offering a level of productivity and versatility that redefines the mobile workplace.