The Apple iPad Pro M5 (2025) — Apple’s latest iPad Pro and the most advanced iPad yet — takes the familiar design of its predecessors and injects it with serious AI power. Built around the M5 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, it’s up to 3.5x faster in AI processing than the M4 and 5.6x faster than the M1 from the 2020 iPad Pro. Available in 11- inch and 13-inch models (the larger one often called the iPad Pro Max by users), it pairs with iPadOS 26 for smoother multitasking, desktop-style windows, and new AI tools that feel genuinely useful.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) [Wi-Fi Only Model]

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) [Wi-Fi + 5G Cellular Model]

It’s not just a spec bump—it’s a smarter, faster, and more adaptable iPad that easily earns its title as the best iPad for gaming, best iPad for Procreate, and the most capable Apple tablet for AI- driven creative work.

The iPad Pro M5 (2025) is Apple’s smartest and fastest tablet to date. It brings laptop-level power, on-device AI, and brilliant display technology to a portable form factor. Starting at $999, it’s aimed at creators, professionals, and tech enthusiasts who want a tablet that works as hard as they do. The design remains familiar, but under the hood, everything is faster, smarter, and more capable — from gaming and drawing to video editing and AI productivity.

1.   Introduction

Imagine being able to edit a 4K video, sketch a detailed portrait in Procreate, and summarize an email—all on the same screen, without a laptop. That’s what the Apple iPad Pro M5 2025 is built for. In this Apple iPad Pro M5 2025 review, we’ll look at how Apple turned its most powerful tablet into a truly AI-driven creative machine — designed for people who want desktop-level performance in a device they can carry anywhere.

For years, users have had the same complaint about tablets: they’re powerful, but not quite laptop material. The M5 chip aims to change that. With faster performance, integrated AI intelligence, and iPadOS 26’s Mac-like multitasking, this iPad feels like a step closer to replacing your computer altogether.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we test every device beyond benchmarks. We evaluate real-world performance, durability, and long-term value—because what matters most isn’t how it performs in a lab, but how it handles your everyday tasks.

Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing, deep component analysis, and usability insights. Whether you’re a designer, student, digital artist, business user, or casual gamer, our goal is simple: help you find the best product for your needs—balancing power, price, and reliability.

So, if you’ve been searching online for:

• “latest iPad Pro” or “iPad Pro latest generation”
• “best iPad for gaming 2025” or “best iPad for Procreate”
• “iPad Pro charger speed” or “iPad Pro size 11 vs 13 inch” This guide has everything you need to make an informed

You’ll also find practical advice, like how to check your current iPad model (Settings > General > About), which iPad Pro cases offer the best protection, and why using an iPad tripod can improve your video calls and creative setups.

And if you’re upgrading from an older iPad Pro—like the 2020 M1 model—you’ll instantly notice the difference. The M5 chip’s AI processing, faster graphics, and improved battery efficiency make it feel like a whole new category of device.

1.1  Target Audience

This review is written for power users, creators, professionals, students, and tech-savvy buyers who want to understand whether the iPad Pro M5 is truly worth the upgrade. Whether you use your iPad for work, art, or entertainment, you’ll get clear, experience-based insights to help you decide if it’s the right device for you.

2.   Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

The iPad Pro M5 keeps the ultra-thin design that’s become iconic since the iPad Pro 2020 refresh, with iPad Pro size options that balance screen real estate and portability: the 11-inch at 9.83 x 7.02 inches and the 13-inch (Apple iPad Pro 13 inch) at 11.09 x 8.48 inches. Both are just 5.1mm thick, making them easy to slip into a bag or mount on an iPad tripod for hands-free use during video editing or calls.

2.1  Exterior and Portability

Weighing 1.28 pounds for the larger model, it’s lighter than many laptops, enhancing its appeal for travel. The aluminum finish in Space Black or Silver resists fingerprints, but pairing it with durable iPad Pro cases is wise for protection—options like OtterBox or Apple’s own folios keep it safe without adding bulk. Compared to the iPad Pro 2020, the M5 feels more premium, with slimmer bezels and a landscape camera for better Zoom sessions.

2.2  Compatibility with Accessories

Accessories elevate the experience: The iPad Pro charger now supports faster speeds (50% in 35 minutes with a compatible adapter), a boon for quick recharges. It pairs seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, turning it into a productivity hub. For creators, an iPad tripod stabilizes it for filming tutorials or time-lapses, while those with an iPad mini might opt for the best iPad mini case for similar protection on a smaller scale.

3.   Display Quality: Stunning OLED That Pops

The Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display is easily one of the iPad Pro M5’s biggest selling points. Apple’s dual-layer OLED technology combines two OLED panels to deliver jaw-dropping brightness, lifelike contrast, and exceptional detail. With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, it’s perfect for outdoor use, HDR content, and color-accurate creative work. Whether you’re editing photos, painting in Procreate, or watching a Dolby Vision movie, this screen doesn’t just show — it shines.

It’s the reason many creators call this the best iPad for Procreate and one of the most color- accurate displays you can buy in 2025.

3.1  Ultra Retina XDR Technology

Apple’s new Tandem OLED technology merges two OLED layers for finer contrast control and pinpoint brightness across every pixel. The result? True blacks, brighter highlights, and stunning HDR depth that outclass even some professional monitors.

The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate keeps everything fluid — from drawing strokes with the Apple Pencil Pro to fast app switching and scrolling through photo libraries. Combined with minimal touch latency, artists and editors get a display that feels natural and instantaneous.

Compared to the Liquid Retina XDR panel on the 2020 iPad Pro, this is a huge leap forward — richer contrast, better visibility under sunlight, and sharper text at every angle.

3.2  Comparison to Other Devices

When you stack the iPad Pro M5 against the MacBook Pro M5, the difference is clear — literally. The iPad’s touchscreen OLED panel delivers richer blacks and tactile control that no MacBook can match. Using your fingers or Apple Pencil to edit, zoom, or paint offers a level of precision and immersion that feels personal and fluid.

However, for those who prefer traditional desktop gaming or intensive software tools, the MacBook Pro M5 still holds an advantage with a more expansive app ecosystem and optimized performance for good Mac games and pro-level editing tools.

Still, for artists, designers, and anyone who values hands-on creative control, the iPad Pro’s display experience feels more natural and visually captivating.

• Key Takeaway – The iPad Pro M5’s Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display isn’t just beautiful — it’s functional Every color, highlight, and shadow feels true to life, making it the best display Apple has ever put on a tablet. Whether you’re sketching, editing, gaming, or just binge-watching, this screen brings everything to life with color accuracy that rivals professional monitors.

3.3  Display Comparison: iPad Pro M5 vs iPad Pro 2020 vs MacBook Pro M5

• Verdict – The iPad Pro M5’s Tandem OLED display takes the crown for color precision, HDR performance, and tactile interactivity.

It beats the 2020 iPad Pro by a wide margin and even rivals the MacBook Pro M5 in brightness and contrast—while adding a responsive touchscreen and Apple Pencil Pro support.

• For artists, designers, and editors, it’s the best iPad display ever made — portable, accurate, and visually breathtaking.

4.   Performance and M5 Chip: Powerhouse for AI and More

The Apple M5 chip is the heart of the new iPad Pro M5, and it’s a game-changer. With up to a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16GB of unified memory, this iPad doesn’t just run fast—it thinks fast. Every task feels instant, from complex creative projects to everyday multitasking, thanks to deeper AI integration that makes performance smarter, not just stronger.

4.1  M5 Chip Breakdown

Built on advanced 3nm process technology, the M5 chip introduces a redesigned 16-core Neural Engine and Neural Accelerators embedded into each GPU core. This combination delivers up to 3.5× faster AI performance than the M4 and 5.6× faster than the M1 found in the 2020 iPad Pro.

This architecture powers Apple Intelligence—Apple’s new on-device AI system designed for privacy-first, context-aware intelligence. Instead of sending your data to the cloud, it processes everything locally, ensuring security while maintaining blistering speed.

4.2  Benchmarks and Real-World Speed

Benchmark results tell the story clearly. The iPad Pro M5 hits an impressive Geekbench 6 multicore score of 16,116, reflecting around a 10% CPU improvement and a 38% GPU boost over the M4.

In practice, that means silky-smooth gameplay, lightning-fast app launches, and near-zero lag in creative workflows. The M5 also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making it the best iPad for gaming in 2025—running titles like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky with console- grade realism.

4.3  AI Capabilities and Real-World Applications

Where the M5 chip really shines is in AI. It runs complex AI models locally, so creative and productivity apps feel almost alive—predictive, intuitive, and fast.

• Image Editing: The Clean Up tool in Photos uses AI to remove unwanted objects from pictures instantly—perfect for quick social media posts.
• Generative Creativity: Image Playground lets you create visuals from text prompts (“a puppy in a spacesuit”) directly on-device—no cloud delay.
• Smart Productivity: Apple Intelligence can summarize emails, translate messages in FaceTime calls, or provide instant document insights for students and
• Pro Apps Optimization: In Procreate, AI assists with auto-coloring and style suggestions; DaVinci Resolve uses AI for instant masking and upscaling; Final Cut Pro offers smart editing recommendations that save hours.
• Developer Workflows: Developers can now run small AI models locally via Xcode integrations, enabling quick data analysis or code suggestions.
• 3D Design and Modeling: Thanks to its unified memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s, the M5 handles real-time rendering and large scene management effortlessly.

Compared to the iPad Pro 2020, tasks that once lagged now finish in seconds. AI image generation that took 30 seconds on M1 now completes in about 7 seconds on M5. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a workflow revolution.

4.4  Connectivity Upgrades

Apple didn’t stop at raw performance. The iPad Pro M5 introduces Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast, low- latency networking and an optional C1X 5G modem for blazing mobile data speeds. Streaming, cloud syncing, and remote collaboration are near-instant across supported networks.

Battery life remains strong at 8–10 hours of typical use—impressive considering the power under the hood.

• Bottom Line – The M5 chip doesn’t just make the iPad Pro faster—it makes it smarter. With Apple Intelligence baked into its silicon, the M5 redefines what’s possible on a tablet. From professional video editing to on-device AI generation and console-level gaming, it’s the most capable iPad Apple has ever built—and arguably the first true step toward the “Mac-like iPad” Apple has been promising for years.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) [Wi-Fi Only Model]

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) [Wi-Fi + 5G Cellular Model]

5.   Software: iPadOS 26 Brings Mac-Like Magic

The iPadOS 26 update transforms how the iPad Pro M5 works day to day, bringing it even closer to a full desktop experience. With AI-assisted multitasking, resizable windows, and a new macOS-style menu bar, Apple is finally bridging the gap between iPad and Mac. It feels intuitive, responsive, and smart — like the iPad finally grew up.

5.1  Multitasking Improvements

With iPadOS 26, you can now run AI-powered creative tools side by side with productivity apps like Pages, Excel, or Final Cut Pro without slowdowns. The new Stage Manager 2.0 allows floating, resizable windows and drag-and-drop across apps, making multitasking feel seamless. AI quietly enhances this by predicting your next move — whether that’s opening your last-used document or suggesting layout adjustments when editing media.

5.2  Limitations and Wishlist

Despite major gains, a few quirks remain. Safari browser extensions can still act inconsistently, and some desktop-class web apps lack full functionality. However, Apple’s new AI Smart Assist helps bridge these gaps by offering on-device suggestions, quick summaries, and adaptive interface hints.

Looking ahead, users hope for even deeper macOS-style integration — including native Xcode, Terminal, and improved file management — to make the iPad Pro a true laptop replacement.

6.  Accessories: Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard Elevate It

The Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard turn the iPad Pro M5 into a creative powerhouse. The new Pencil Pro introduces haptic feedback, barrel roll control, and AI precision mapping that adapts brush pressure and angle in real time — perfect for artists using Procreate or Adobe Fresco.

The Magic Keyboard now features a larger glass trackpad and function keys, making it feel more like a MacBook than a tablet accessory. Paired together, they unlock the iPad’s full potential for digital art, writing, or multitasking.

To complete the setup, invest in a durable iPad Pro case (like OtterBox or Spigen) for protection, and consider an iPad tripod for stable video shoots or virtual meetings.

7.  iPad Pro M5 vs MacBook Pro M5: Which Apple Powerhouse to Choose?

Choosing between the iPad Pro M5 and the MacBook Pro M5 comes down to how you work. Both devices share the same M5 chip with on-device AI acceleration, offering incredible performance for demanding apps.

But the experience differs:

If you value touch and creative freedom, the iPad Pro M5 feels more natural and interactive. If you need deeper software control, coding environments, or professional Mac apps, the MacBook Pro M5 remains the better all-around workstation.

8.  Target Audience and Fields of Use

From creatives to students, the M5’s AI fits all.

9.   Pros and Cons

Verdict – The iPad Pro M5 is ideal for creators, professionals, and power users who want cutting- edge performance and AI capabilities in a sleek, portable form. But for casual users or those on a budget, its premium price and familiar design might make the iPad Air or iPad 11th Gen a better fit.

10.    Pricing and Value: Worth the Splurge?

Starting at $999, the iPad Pro M5 sits firmly in premium territory — but for the right user, it’s worth every bit of that price. This isn’t a casual tablet for browsing or watching Netflix; it’s built for people who need serious performance, creative power, and advanced AI capabilities that actually save time.

The value of the M5 model becomes clear once you start using apps that take advantage of its on-device AI and M5 chip speed. If you’re into digital art, video editing, music production, coding, or 3D design, the performance difference is huge compared to older models.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to upgrade, here’s a quick tip:

Go to Settings > General > About on your current iPad and check your model name. Then compare its chip and specs to the M5. If you’re using an M1 or earlier model, the jump in speed, graphics, and AI responsiveness is immediately noticeable.

For professionals and creators, the iPad Pro M5 easily justifies its cost with performance that rivals laptops while keeping the portability and battery life of a tablet. But for casual users who mainly stream, browse, or take notes, the iPad Air or standard iPad 11th Gen may offer better overall value.

• Verdict – The iPad Pro M5 is a smart investment for those who can fully use its AI-driven performance, creative tools, and multitasking features. It’s expensive, yes—but if you’re the type who pushes your tech to the limit, this iPad delivers power and longevity that make it worth the splurge.

11.    Conclusion

The iPad Pro M5 is Apple’s most forward-thinking tablet yet — built to feel less like a gadget and more like a creative powerhouse. With its AI-powered M5 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, it runs demanding apps with laptop-class smoothness. Whether you’re sketching, editing videos, coding, or gaming, this iPad feels instant, fluid, and ready for whatever you throw at it.

If you’re planning to buy one, you can buy the iPad Pro M5 online through Apple or Amazon. Here are your best options on Amazon:

◆ Wi-Fi Only Model

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256 GB, 12 MP Front/Back Cameras, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

◆ Wi-Fi + 5G Cellular Model

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256 GB, 12 MP Front/Back Cameras, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 7 with Apple N1 + 5G Cellular (C1X Chip), Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

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12.    FAQs: iPad Pro M5 (2025 Edition)

If you’re thinking about upgrading to the new iPad Pro M5 — or wondering where to buy the iPad Pro M5 online safely — this FAQ covers everything you need to know. From the new AI- powered features and M5 chip performance to charging speed, gaming performance, and Procreate compatibility, these quick answers will help you decide if it’s the right iPad for you in 2025.

What are the new iPad Pro M5 AI features?

The iPad Pro M5 introduces on-device AI tools like Image Playground and Clean Up, designed for quick photo edits, background removal, and creative enhancements—all powered locally for faster results and better privacy.

How does the M5 chip improve daily performance?

With the Apple M5 chip, everything feels instant. You can edit photos, translate text in real time, and summarize documents right on your device—no internet required. It’s not just faster; it’s smarter at anticipating what you need.

Is the iPad Pro M5 good for work productivity?

Absolutely. The M5 iPad Pro handles demanding workflows like 3D modeling, AI-assisted video editing, and data analysis effortlessly. Apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Excel run faster and smoothly with built-in AI acceleration.

iPad Pro M5 vs iPad Pro 2020 — how much faster?

The M5 iPad Pro is up to 5.6× faster than the 2020 model. That means shorter export times, smoother multitasking, and faster app performance—all while being more energy-efficient.

What iPad Pro sizes are available in 2025?

Apple offers two models: an 11-inch iPad Pro M5 for portability, and a 13-inch iPad Pro M5 with a bigger display for creators and multitaskers.

What’s the best iPad for gaming in 2025?

The iPad Pro M5 leads the pack with a 38% graphics performance boost and hardware- accelerated ray tracing. Games like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky run at console-level quality.

Is the iPad Pro M5 good for Procreate and digital art?

Yes, it’s the best iPad for Procreate in 2025. The M5 chip powers AI-assisted drawing tools, smoother brush strokes, and faster rendering for professional illustrators and digital artists.

How do I check which iPad model I have?

Go to Settings > General > About. You’ll see your iPad’s model name and number—handy for checking compatibility before upgrading to the M5 version.

What kind of charger does the iPad Pro M5 use?

It supports fast USB-C charging, reaching 50% in about 35 minutes with a 35W or higher power adapter.

What are the best iPad Pro M5 cases in 2025?

The OtterBox Defender Series is great for durability, while the Apple Magic Keyboard case turns your iPad into a portable workstation.

Why use a tripod with your iPad Pro M5?

A sturdy iPad tripod helps keep the device stable during video calls, content creation, or filming—especially useful for vloggers and creators.

Can Mac games run on the iPad Pro M5?

Yes, many Mac and console games like Resident Evil 4 now have optimized iPadOS ports that run flawlessly on the M5 chip with top-tier graphics.

What’s the best case for the iPad mini in 2025?

The Spigen Rugged Armor case is a favorite for iPad mini 7 users, offering compact protection without bulk.

Is it worth upgrading from iPad Pro M4 to M5?

If you rely on your iPad for AI-powered creative or productivity tasks, yes—upgrading to the M5 is worth it. You’ll notice better battery life, faster rendering, and smarter AI assistance across apps.