Beyond the M5: 6 Key Upgrades in the New iPad Pro
▼ Summary
– The new iPad Pro features an M5 chip providing up to 20% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous M4 model, with higher storage configurations offering a 10-core CPU.
– It includes a custom N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, supporting up to 160 MHz Wi-Fi bandwidth and improving AirDrop and Personal Hotspot reliability.
– A custom C1X chip enables up to 50% faster cellular data speeds and better power efficiency for cellular models compared to the predecessor.
– The device offers up to 2× faster SSD read and write speeds and can drive external displays at 120Hz with Adaptive Sync for smoother performance.
– It supports fast charging, reaching 50% battery in about 30 minutes for the 11-inch model and 35 minutes for the 13-inch model, and can drop to 1 nit display brightness for dark environments.
The latest iPad Pro introduces a suite of enhancements that go well beyond its powerful M5 chip, delivering meaningful improvements in performance, connectivity, and usability. While the new processor itself offers substantial speed gains, several other upgrades work together to create a more capable and versatile device.
Benchmark results from Geekbench 6 indicate the M5 chip provides a CPU that is up to 20 percent faster and a GPU that is up to 40 percent quicker than the M4 found in the prior generation. It is important to note that the 256GB and 512GB storage variants feature a 9-core CPU, whereas the 1TB and 2TB models are equipped with the full 10-core configuration.
Beyond the main processor, here are six other significant improvements found in the new iPad Pro.
Models configured with 256GB or 512GB of storage now come with 12GB of RAM, a welcome increase from previous base models. The higher-end 1TB and 2TB configurations continue to be supplied with 16GB of memory.
A custom Apple N1 chip has been integrated to handle Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity. While this chip supports a 160 MHz channel bandwidth for Wi-Fi 7, it does not reach the standard’s maximum potential of 320 MHz. Apple states the N1 chip also boosts the performance and reliability of system-level features such as AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
For cellular models, a proprietary Apple C1X modem is responsible for a claimed 50 percent leap in cellular data performance compared to the last model. This new modem also contributes to better overall power efficiency.
Storage performance sees a major uplift, with Apple reporting that the new iPad Pro’s SSD delivers read and write speeds up to twice as fast as the previous generation. This translates to quicker app launches, faster file transfers, and a more responsive experience when working with large files.
The tablet’s video output capabilities have been enhanced, allowing it to drive external displays at up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The new addition of Adaptive Sync technology helps minimize latency, leading to smoother scrolling and more fluid gameplay on a connected monitor.
Fast charging support is another new feature. According to Apple, the 11-inch model can reach a 50 percent charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the 13-inch version takes about 35 minutes to achieve the same level. Since comparable figures were not provided for earlier models, the exact degree of improvement remains unclear.
Apple’s technical specifications also reveal the display can now dim to an ultra-low 1 nit of brightness. This feature is particularly useful in dark environments, such as a bedroom at night, and was not a listed capability for previous iPad Pro generations.
The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are currently available for pre-order, with the first deliveries to customers and in-store availability beginning this Wednesday.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
