Apple’s new iPad Pro M5 has officially landed — nearly 18 months after the M4 version — and fans are wondering: is it worth the upgrade or just another speed bump? Let’s break down all the key differences between iPad Pro M4 vs M5, from the chip power and RAM to battery, camera, and wireless tech.
Summary: What’s Actually New
| Feature | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M5 | Upgrade Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | M4 (9/10-core CPU) | M5 (9/10-core CPU) | +12% faster CPU |
| GPU | 10-core | 10-core | +36% faster graphics |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core (2× faster) | AI boost |
| RAM (Base) | 8GB | 12GB | Better multitasking |
| Wi-Fi | 6E | 7 (N1 chip) | Faster wireless |
| Charging | 50% in 40 mins | 50% in 30 mins | Slightly faster |
| Camera | 12MP | 12MP (improved processing) | Minor upgrade |
Performance: M5 Chip Brings Power, but Is It a Leap?
The biggest change here is under the hood — the new M5 chip.
Both M4 and M5 models start with a 9-core CPU (six efficiency + three performance cores), but the higher storage M5 versions get an extra performance core, bumping it to 10 cores total.
GPU stays at 10 cores, yet Apple claims up to 36% faster graphics performance — great news for video editors and 3D designers. The new Neural Engine is also upgraded, processing AI tasks up to 2× faster than before.
In benchmarks, the M5 shows roughly 12% faster CPU scores, so while it’s not a night-and-day jump, power users will appreciate the efficiency and responsiveness.
RAM & Storage: Finally a Baseline 12GB
The M5 iPad Pro finally fixes one of the M4’s biggest limitations — RAM.
Apple’s bumped the base model from 8GB to 12GB, matching what we see in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
Storage-based RAM tiers:
- 256GB / 512GB: 12GB RAM
- 1TB / 2TB: 16GB RAM
This increase means better multitasking, more responsive creative apps, and a longer lifespan for future iPadOS updates.
Cameras: Same Hardware, Smarter Processing
Apple didn’t redesign the camera system — both have a 12MP rear camera and LiDAR scanner, plus a 12MP front camera with Center Stage.
However, the M5’s image processing brings subtle gains in low-light performance, noise reduction, and stabilization, especially for video and ProRes recording.
Display: Same Stunning OLED, Still Industry-Leading
Both iPad Pro M4 and M5 use the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, first seen on the M4 model.
You still get:
- 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate
- 1,000 nits brightness
- Rich, true-to-life colors
No change in display sizes — 11-inch and 13-inch — and bezels remain the same. Maybe next time, Apple.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Apple’s Own Modem Chips
Here’s a solid upgrade: the M5 iPad Pro introduces Wi-Fi 7 support via Apple’s new N1 chip, the same one in iPhone 17 models. Cellular versions also get the C1X modem chip, improving signal reliability and efficiency.
Expect smoother streaming, faster AirDrop transfers, and better connection stability overall.
Battery Life: Slightly More Efficient, Not Bigger
Battery capacities remain unchanged, with Apple promising the same up to 10 hours of video playback.
However, thanks to better power management in the M5 and new chips, expect a small bump in real-world endurance — around 10 hours 20 minutes on average.
Charging is faster too: Apple claims 50% charge in 30 minutes via USB-C.
So, Should You Upgrade?
If you’re rocking an M1 or older iPad Pro, the M5 is a worthy jump — faster chip, smarter neural engine, and better wireless.
But if you already own an M4 iPad Pro, you’re fine to skip this generation. The improvements are incremental, not groundbreaking.
For most users, the M4 remains an amazing value, especially with discounts expected once the M5 hits Apple Stores on October 22, 2025.
Final Thoughts
The iPad Pro M5 refines more than it reinvents — giving power users that extra edge while keeping the same clean design and stunning OLED panel.
