New Era for iPad Pro: The M5 Chip and What It Means
Apple has introduced the next-generation iPad Pro powered by the all-new M5 chip. The upgrade promises a leap in CPU, GPU, and AI performance while preserving the iPad Pro’s renowned slim, premium build. For creatives, developers, and power users, the M5 iPad Pro aims to be a versatile on‑the‑go workstation, blending laptop-like capabilities with the portability of a tablet.
Two Sizes, Same Promise: Prices and Availability in India
Apple continues its familiar Pro lineup with 11-inch and 13-inch models, finished in Space Black or Silver. In India, the base 11-inch model starts at Rs 99,900, while the 13-inch variant starts at Rs 1,29,900. Both configurations are available with up to 2TB of storage, letting creators scale up for large projects. Pre-orders are live, with in-store availability beginning on 22 October 2025. Cellular versions feature Apple’s C1X modem for faster data speeds and improved battery efficiency on the move.
Key Specifications: The M5 Advantage
The M5 chip is the headline act, featuring a 10-core GPU with an integrated Neural Accelerator. This architecture targets on-device AI tasks, such as AI-assisted art generation, real-time video masking, and faster editing workflows within professional apps. The CPU incorporates four high-performance cores and six efficiency cores, delivering strong multitasking performance for demanding apps like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
Memory and storage have been upgraded as well. The iPad Pro now offers up to 150GB/s unified memory bandwidth and faster read/write speeds, with base models starting at 12GB of unified memory for 256GB storage. This combination helps large files, apps, and AI models load with minimal latency and smooth operation during heavy workloads.
Display and Pro-Grade Visuals
The Ultra Retina XDR display remains a centerpiece, now featuring tandem OLED technology for deeper blacks and brighter highlights. Peak HDR brightness hits 1,600 nits, delivering stunning visuals for video editing, color grading, and design work. ProMotion, True Tone, and a nano-texture glass option reduce glare in bright studios or outdoor shoots, ensuring accuracy and comfort during long creative sessions.
Connectivity and Wireless Tech
Connectivity receives a notable upgrade with two Apple-designed chips: the C1X modem for faster cellular data and the N1 networking chip that supports Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The result is faster, more reliable wireless performance whether you’re on a film set, a studio, or working remotely.
Software and AI: iPadOS 26 at the Core
iPadOS 26 brings a refreshed multitasking experience with redesigned windowing, a smarter Files app, and a new Preview app for PDFs. Apple Intelligence features add context-aware writing, live translation, and AI-powered reminders—tools designed to streamline workflows for creators and professionals. The software stack reinforces the M5’s on-device AI chops, making AI-assisted tasks feel fast and private.
Accessories and the Creative Stack
Apple also updates its accessories lineup: a slimmer, lighter Magic Keyboard with a functional new key row and an optional Apple Pencil Pro that offers precise input with haptic feedback. Together, these peripherals turn the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement for many users, enabling drawing, video editing, and design with tactile precision.
Bottom Line: Is the M5 iPad Pro the Right Move?
For professionals who push apps like Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or advanced AI tools, the M5-powered iPad Pro represents a substantial upgrade over the M1-era devices. It combines a fast CPU/GPU, accelerated on-device AI, a stunning display, and improved connectivity into a single portable platform. While the price premium is notable, the iPad Pro with M5 is designed to be a multi‑tool studio in a single slate—ideal for creators seeking desktop-class capabilities on the go.
Overall, Apple’s latest Pro tablet appears to redefine the boundary between tablet and workstation. If your work relies on real-time AI features, heavy media workloads, or simply wanting a premier creative device with top-tier display quality, the M5 iPad Pro is poised to be a compelling choice in 2025.
