Apple’s iPad Pro Gets M5 Chip and Major Upgrades
▼ Summary
– Apple announced a new iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip, which offers up to 3.5x AI performance and improvements in video tasks over the previous model.
– The device includes internal upgrades such as the C1X cellular modem, N1 chip for connectivity, faster memory speeds, and support for fast charging up to 50% in 30 minutes.
– Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model, available in black and silver for pre-order with shipping on October 22.
– This update targets users with M1 or older iPad Pros, building on the May 2024 redesign that introduced a thinner form, OLED screen, and M4 processor.
– Apple is positioning the iPad Pro as a laptop alternative with iPadOS 26 enabling advanced multitasking and compatibility with accessories like the Magic Keyboard.
Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Pro, featuring the powerful new M5 chip that promises to redefine performance standards for premium tablets. This new processor delivers what Apple claims is up to 3.5 times the AI performance compared to last year’s model, alongside substantial gains in handling demanding video workflows. While the upgrade appears tailored for users still on M1 or earlier iPad Pros, the enhancements extend well beyond the chip itself.
Selecting the cellular model introduces Apple’s advanced C1X modem, while the N1 chip improves connectivity across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread networks. Memory read and write speeds have received a boost, and a new fast-charging capability allows the battery to reach fifty percent in roughly half an hour. Pricing begins at $999 for the 11-inch version and $1,299 for the larger 13-inch model, with both available in classic silver and space black finishes. Pre-orders are open now, with general availability starting October 22.
This announcement arrives just months after May 2024’s significant iPad Pro overhaul, which brought a slimmer form factor, stunning OLED displays, refined accessories, and a major camera upgrade. That model also debuted the M4 chip, establishing a pattern of new silicon launching alongside new tablets. The M4 iPad Pro quickly set the benchmark for high-end tablets, despite its premium price point that can approach $2,000 when fully configured.
The decision to pack even more power into the iPad Pro aligns with Apple’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between tablet and laptop. The latest iPadOS 26 supports much more flexible multitasking, and when combined with the excellent Magic Keyboard, the device handles many traditional computer tasks with ease. For years, critics argued the iPad’s sophisticated hardware was constrained by its operating system, but the software environment continues to become more capable and open. As Apple integrates more sophisticated AI features and foundation models across its ecosystem, the M5 chip’s advanced capabilities may finally be fully utilized, transforming how professionals use their devices.
(Source: The Verge)
