Apple announced the introduction of the new iPad Pro, featuring the next generation of Apple silicon, the M5 chip. This launch represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of the iPad, emphasizing substantial gains in AI performance, processing speed, and wireless connectivity, all integrated with the game-changing features of iPadOS 26.
The M5 chip sets a new industry standard for tablet performance, particularly in AI capabilities. It incorporates an advanced GPU featuring a Neural Accelerator in each core, a design choice that results in up to 3.5x the AI performance compared to the M4 iPad Pro, and a staggering 5.6x faster performance than the M1 model. The chip’s architecture, including a faster 16-core Neural Engine, is specifically engineered to accelerate a wide variety of on-device AI workloads, such as diffusion-based image generation in applications like Draw Things and advanced AI video masking in DaVinci Resolve. The M5 also brings a significant boost to graphics and general computing, featuring up to a 10-core CPU and a third-generation ray-tracing engine. This allows the iPad Pro to achieve up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing than its M1 predecessor, making it ideal for visually intensive applications and high-fidelity gaming.
The new iPad Pro is available in two sizes—11-inch and 13-inch—and features the groundbreaking Ultra Retina XDR display. This display utilizes tandem OLED technology to deliver extreme brightness and precise contrast, supporting 1000 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content, and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR. For professionals in color-managed workflows, an optional nano-texture display glass is available to reduce glare. Furthermore, the new iPad Pro supports driving external displays at up to 120Hz and includes new support for Adaptive Sync, improving latency for demanding creative tasks and gaming.
In terms of connectivity, the iPad Pro is equipped with the new N1 wireless networking chip, enabling support for Wi-Fi 7. Cellular models incorporate the C1X modem, which delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance than its predecessor, along with enhanced efficiency. These networking advancements ensure users can maintain superfast, reliable connections for productivity and leisure across the globe.
Complementing the M5 chip, iPadOS 26 introduces a suite of features designed to supercharge the iPad Pro experience for demanding professional tasks. Key among these is an entirely new, intuitive windowing system that facilitates seamless multitasking, enhancing even the most complex workflows. The OS features a beautiful new design crafted with Liquid Glass and significant updates to the Files app. Importantly, iPadOS 26 integrates Apple Intelligence, delivering helpful and relevant on-device intelligence across the operating system while maintaining an extraordinary commitment to user privacy. The device also supports new accessories, including the Apple Pencil Pro and a thin, light Magic Keyboard featuring an aluminum palm rest, further extending the versatility of the iPad Pro.
The new iPad Pro, available in space black and silver, is available to pre-order and with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 22.
