Apple’s next iPad Pro, expected to arrive in fall 2025, is shaping up to be a major update. Last year’s iPad Pro introduced the powerful M4 chip alongside Apple’s first tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display. With the M5 version, Apple is focusing on internal upgrades processor, memory, cameras, and connectivity rather than a radical redesign. In this article, we’ll break down everything Apple announced (and what credible leaks suggest), compare it to the previous generation, and explain what it means for users.
Apple iPad Pro (M5) What is actually new?
The headline is the M5 chip. In everyday terms that means faster CPU and GPU work, plus a beefed up Neural Engine for tasks that lean on machine learning. Apps should feel snappier, but the real wins show up when you push the device for heavy editing or large multitasking sessions.
Apple looks set to standardize 16GB of RAM across the lineup. That is a subtle but important change. More memory means fewer moments where your iPad has to move apps out of active memory and then reload them, which is the kind of slow down that breaks focus when you are editing video or hopping between many browser tabs and creative apps.
Another practical upgrade is a dual front camera setup, one on the long edge and one on the short edge. Translation: video calls no longer depend on how you prop the iPad. Landscape or portrait, your framing stays sensible without contortions or duct tape solutions.
Connectivity steps forward too with WiFi 7. Do not expect miracles on a slow cafe router, but on the right network it means much faster transfers and lower latency. That is helpful if you stream high bit rate video or move large projects to the cloud.
All of this sits inside the same thin light chassis Apple perfected recently, and the brilliant OLED Ultra Retina XDR display sticks around. So yes, the look and feel remain unchanged, and the engine gets stronger.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite Launched With Exynos Chip and S Pen at an Affordable Price
Apple iPad Pro (M5): How this actually compares to the previous model
If you already bought last year s iPad Pro, this will not feel like a complete reboot. Think of it as level up rather than clean slate. The M5 brings noticeably faster performance you will feel in heavy tasks, and the standardized 16GB RAM is a clear win for pro users. The dual front cameras are a practical improvement rather than a headline grabbing redesign. WiFi 7 future proofs the device for faster home or office networks.
If you are coming from an older iPad, such as M2 or earlier, the jump to M5 is more obvious. But if you bought an M4 recently, weigh whether the extra speed and camera tweaks are worth the cost. For many people the answer will be not yet.
Who will actually benefit?
Creators will get the clearest advantage. If you do a lot of video editing on the go, render 4K footage, paint massive layered files, or run 3D apps, the M5 s extra grunt and the higher memory ceiling make a real difference. It reduces friction and keeps the creative flow intact.
Remote workers and frequent video callers will also appreciate the front camera improvements and the smoother multitasking in the new iPad operating system. Students and everyday users will enjoy the speed and battery efficiency, but they are unlikely to feel compelled to upgrade if their current device still meets basic needs.
The other big takeaway is future proofing. With more memory and modern wireless tech, this iPad will stay useful for longer as apps get hungrier.
Also read: Lenovo’s New Tablets: Big Features, Small Price and 5G Support
Practical takeaway
If you rely on power and portability and you use pro apps, this is a meaningful upgrade. If your iPad is used mainly for browsing, streaming and note taking, you will probably be fine waiting a year or two. In short, the M5 makes the iPad Pro better where it matters for professionals, and only incrementally better for casual users.
FAQ
When will the iPad Pro M5 arrive?
Expect an autumn announcement. Apple s timing tends to fall in the fall window and this follows that rhythm.
Is the M5 a big jump over the M4?
It is a sensible one. Faster CPU and GPU, more memory by default, better front cameras and newer wireless tech. Not a redesign, but a useful power boost.
Should I upgrade now?
If you are on an older iPad such as M2 or earlier and need performance, yes. If you bought an M4 recently, probably not unless you have a specific immediate need for the extra power.
Will battery life suffer with the M5?
Not likely. The focus is on efficiency as well as raw speed, so you should see similar or slightly better endurance under most conditions.
Is this a MacBook replacement?
For many creative and productivity workflows, the line between iPad and laptop continues to blur. The M5 narrows that gap further, but whether it replaces a MacBook depends on the specific desktop apps you need.
