Apple’s 2025 iPad Pro refresh: M5 performance inside familiar shells

Apple has updated its 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with the company’s new M5 chip, delivering a meaningful performance uplift while keeping the exterior design largely unchanged from last year. That makes the new iPad Pros especially appealing to content creators and other power users who want laptop-class performance in a tablet form factor.

The entry-level M5 used in these iPad Pros is built on TSMC’s 3-nanometer process. Apple reportedly skipped 2nm chips for cost reasons. Configuration details include:

• 256GB and 512GB models: M5 with a 9-core CPU (3 performance + 6 efficiency), 10-core GPU, and 12GB RAM.
• 1TB and 2TB models: M5 with an extra performance core (4 performance cores total) and 16GB RAM.

Display and size highlights: both models use tandem OLED Ultra Display XDR panels with sustained brightness up to 1,000 nits and HDR peaks up to 1,600 nits — well-suited for HDR viewing and editing. The 11-inch iPad Pro measures about 5.3mm thick and weighs just under one pound; the 13-inch is around 5.1mm thick and about 1.29 pounds.

Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch with 256GB ($1,199 with 5G) and $1,299 for the 13-inch 256GB ($1,499 with 5G), unchanged from last year. That pricing, combined with the M5’s performance gains, positions the new iPad Pros as a strong option for those considering a tablet instead of a laptop.

Apple earlier rolled out the M4 in last year’s iPad Pro lineup before deploying it across MacBooks; this time the company launched the M5 alongside an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro. The M5’s 3nm process and the choices around core counts and RAM mirror Apple’s ongoing strategy of segmenting chip performance across storage tiers.

For more details, see the full coverage here: Engadget’s report.

Who should consider upgrading? If you rely on demanding apps for video editing, 3D work, or heavy multitasking, the M5’s extra cores and higher RAM options can make the iPad Pro a compelling choice. Casual users or those happy with last year’s performance may find less value in switching.

Discussion: Would you pick the new iPad Pro over a laptop for creative work? Share your thoughts below.