Apple’s iPad Pro lineup has always set the benchmark for premium tablets, and this year’s M5-equipped model continues that tradition. At first glance, it’s hard to spot a difference from last year’s iPad Pro: the 11- and 13-inch sizes remain, the device is still sleek and elegant, and the color options are unchanged. The only noticeable design tweak is subtle—the back no longer features the “iPad Pro” branding, a small move that hardly affects your experience but is an interesting tidbit for Apple enthusiasts.
Inside, the changes are more technical but equally significant. Apple has introduced the new M5 chip, along with its own networking modules: the C1X for cellular and the N1 for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the emerging Threads protocol. These updates make the device faster and more reliable, though for the average user, the improvements are mostly incremental.
I spent several days testing the 13-inch model and, surprisingly, found myself appreciating it more than expected. Interestingly, the primary driver of this satisfaction wasn’t just the hardware—it was iPadOS 26. The latest operating system brings the iPad closer to a Mac-like experience, introducing free-form multitasking, a functional menu bar, and a significantly enhanced Files app. Apple is clearly aiming to blur the line between tablet and laptop, though some features, like Liquid Glass gestures, still feel less polished compared to a Mac.
iPadOS 26 is compatible with a wide range of iPads, including the previous Pro models. That said, the M5 Pro still represents the pinnacle of iPad performance. However, it comes with the usual caveat: unless you’re pairing it with an Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard—or both—this tablet alone isn’t cheap, with a starting price that easily exceeds $1,500 once accessories are included. For users in need of a full-fledged computer, a Mac remains the more practical recommendation. But if your goal is to own the best iPad on the market, the M5 Pro is unmatched.
Performance-wise, the M5 chip delivers tangible improvements. Benchmark tests indicate an 11% CPU performance boost over the M4 and a striking 34% increase in GPU performance. In practical terms, this translates to smoother video editing, faster rendering of graphics-heavy tasks, and slightly sharper overall responsiveness. While casual users might not notice the difference coming from an M4 model, those working with 3D modeling or large video projects will see the M5 Pro shine. Gaming, too, feels a bit more fluid—the enhanced graphics performance is noticeable, even in fast-paced games like Fortnite.
One of the standout updates is Apple’s decision to produce its own networking chips. Previously reliant on third-party components like Broadcom, Apple now delivers cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity through its proprietary C1X and N1 chips. In testing, the M5 Pro consistently achieved faster internet speeds than its predecessor. While network performance can vary for many reasons, these results suggest Apple’s custom approach is both reliable and efficient.
Another minor but practical improvement is the new charger included in the box. This small, lightweight 40-watt adapter can temporarily ramp up to 60 watts, allowing for much faster charging. In real-world tests, the M5 Pro reached 50% charge in just 30 minutes from empty—compared to 33% on the M4 Pro. It’s a small convenience, but one that makes a noticeable difference in daily use.
Despite these upgrades, the M5 Pro largely represents an evolutionary step rather than a revolutionary one. AI workflows and Foundation Models are becoming central to Apple’s ecosystem, and the M5 chip ensures the device is ready to handle them smoothly. However, for many users, last year’s M4 Pro remains highly capable. Only those seeking the absolute peak of tablet performance—or the fastest possible AI processing—will find the M5 Pro essential.
In the end, the M5 iPad Pro reinforces Apple’s vision of the iPad as a laptop-like device in tablet form. iPadOS 26 allows for faster multitasking, better file management, and a more intuitive workflow when using accessories like the Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil. While there’s still a gap between a full desktop experience and the iPad, Apple is steadily closing it. The M5 Pro stands out not just for its speed, but for how it elevates the iPad into a versatile, high-performance tool that can rival many laptops in daily use.
For anyone in the market for a top-tier tablet, the M5 iPad Pro is tough to beat. It’s sleek, fast, and increasingly capable—proof that Apple is thinking beyond the tablet category. Even with incremental changes, the combination of new hardware and iPadOS 26 makes this the most compelling iPad to date.
Pros:
Exceptional performance with M5 chip
Proprietary networking chips improve connectivity
Faster charging with new 40-60W charger
iPadOS 26 brings PC-like features
Cons:
Expensive, especially with accessories
Liquid Glass gestures remain awkward
Incremental upgrades may not justify a purchase from M4 Pro
Verdict: The M5 iPad Pro is the best iPad Apple has ever made—ideal for those who want a high-end tablet that’s as close to a laptop as possible.