Introduction: A new era for the iPad Pro
Apple has unveiled the next-generation iPad Pro powered by the all-new M5 chip. Aimed at creators, professionals, and power users, this tablet blends laptop-like performance with iPadOS innovation. With a brighter Ultra Retina XDR display, faster connectivity, and a refined design, the M5-powered iPad Pro is pitched as the most capable Pro tablet yet.
Price and availability in India
The iPad Pro is offered in two sizes in India: 11-inch and 13-inch. Pricing starts at Rs 99,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 1,29,900 for the 13-inch variant, with configurations extending up to 2TB of storage. Pre-orders are live, with in-store availability beginning on 22 October 2025. Cellular models include Apple’s new C1X modem for faster data speeds and better battery efficiency on the go.
What’s new with the M5 chip
The M5 chip is the centerpiece of the new iPad Pro, delivering a dramatic leap in CPU, GPU, and AI performance. The CPU features four high-performance cores and six efficiency cores, while the 10-core GPU includes a Neural Accelerator built into every core. Apple claims up to 6.7× faster 3D rendering and 6× faster video transcoding versus the M1 iPad Pro, making demanding workflows like 3D modeling, video editing, and AI-powered tasks noticeably smoother.
On-device AI and creative workflows
With up to 150GB/s unified memory bandwidth and doubled storage read/write speeds, the iPad Pro handles large files and AI models with ease. The integrated Neural Accelerator accelerates AI tasks, enabling rapid AI art generation, real-time video masking, and quicker upscaling. This is particularly appealing for professionals using apps such as Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve on the go.
Display and design
The iPad Pro keeps its premium aluminum chassis with a distinguished silhouette. The Ultra Retina XDR display uses tandem OLED technology to deliver vivid colors, deep blacks, and peak HDR brightness up to 1,600 nits. ProMotion, True Tone, and an optional nano-texture glass finish help ensure comfortable viewing in varied lighting. The fingerprint-free form factor remains a signature of the Pro line, while the design retains its slim, portable profile.
Connectivity and wireless features
Two new Apple-designed chips power connectivity: the C1X modem for faster cellular data and the N1 networking chip, which supports Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. This combination promises faster, more reliable online workflows and smarter accessory communication, whether you’re in a studio, on location, or traveling between shoots.
Software and AI integration: iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 enhances multitasking with a redesigned windowing system, smarter Files app, and a new Preview app for PDFs. Apple Intelligence features add live translation, context-aware writing assistance, and AI-powered reminders, making the iPad Pro a capable AI workstation for creative professionals.
Accessories: Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro
Apple upgrades its accessories to complement the M5 power. The Magic Keyboard is slimmer and lighter, featuring a revised function key row. The Apple Pencil Pro offers improved precision and haptic feedback, delivering a more tactile drawing and design experience for artists and designers who rely on pressure sensitivity and tilt controls.
Who is this for?
The M5-powered iPad Pro targets creative professionals, video editors, 3D artists, and developers who need top-tier performance in a portable form factor. It aims to be a laptop substitute for many workflows, while still offering the flexibility and touch-first interface that define iPadOS.
Bottom line
With the M5 chip, brighter display, faster connectivity, and iPadOS 26, Apple is redefining what a tablet can do. The iPad Pro with M5 is not just an upgrade; it’s a statement that a tablet can be a fully equipped creative and AI workspace when paired with the right apps and accessories.
