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Apple has refreshed its iPad Pro lineup with a powerful upgrade, introducing the new 11-inch and 13-inch models. Both tablets now run on Apple’s latest M5 chip, supported by the N1 wireless chip and the C1X modem for faster and more reliable connectivity.
M5 Chip Delivers Major Boost in Speed and AI Performance
The M5 chip, unveiled alongside the new iPad Pro, also powers the 14-inch MacBook Pro and Apple Vision Pro. It features a 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. According to Apple, these are the fastest performance cores ever built. The new 10-core GPU includes neural accelerators in every core, while memory bandwidth jumps to 153 GB/s for smoother multitasking and enhanced graphics performance.
Compared to the M4, Apple says the M5 delivers up to 4X better AI performance. Ray tracing for 3D rendering is 1.5 times faster, and video transcoding in Final Cut Pro improves by 1.2 times. These gains make the iPad Pro a strong tool for creative professionals and power users.
The iPad Pro now supports external displays with refresh rates up to 120 Hz and adds Adaptive Sync (VRR) compatibility for smoother visuals. Memory options have also been upgraded; the 256GB and 512GB variants now feature 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB, while the 1TB and 2TB models remain at 16GB.
Faster Connectivity and Charging Support
Apple has integrated the N1 networking chip and the C1X modem, first seen in this year’s iPhone models. These ensure faster wireless speeds and improved network reliability. Charging speeds have also been upgraded, matching the fast-charging standard found on the iPhone 17 lineup. With Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (60W Max), the 11-inch iPad Pro charges up to 50% in 30 minutes, while the 13-inch model reaches 50% in around 35 minutes.
Despite the internal upgrades, Apple has kept the familiar design and display setup. The iPad Pro continues to feature the Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, 12MP rear and front cameras with Center Stage, a four-speaker system, and Thunderbolt/USB4 support.
Prices remain unchanged, starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch version. Cellular models start at $1,199 and $1,499, respectively.
