The new iPad Pro M5 stands out as Apple’s most powerful tablet to date. While its design mirrors that of last year’s model, the performance has significantly improved, attributed to the new M5 chip and iPadOS 26. This enhancement allows the iPad to operate more like a laptop than before. In our review, the iPad Pro M5 efficiently managed office applications, multitasking, and creative tasks. The updated system facilitates the easy opening and manipulation of multiple windows, akin to a Mac. However, it still falls short of being a complete computer, as some professional tools available on Macs are not present on the iPad.
The iPad Pro M5 boasts features such as a vibrant Ultra Retina XDR OLED display, faster Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and compatibility with the Pencil Pro. It also offers quicker charging, although a fast charger is not included in the packaging. Performance tests indicate that the M5 chip is approximately 10% faster than the M4 version and significantly quicker than the M3 iPad Air. These specifications position the iPad Pro as an excellent choice for graphics, design, and multitasking. Nevertheless, its high price point makes it less accessible, as most users might achieve a similar experience with less expensive iPads.
The performance review of the iPad indicates that while the M5 iPad Pro is powerful and premium, it is ideally suited for those who require exceptional performance. When comparing the iPad Pro to the Mac in 2025, the new iPad comes remarkably close to serving as a laptop replacement, yet it has not fully achieved this goal. It represents the closest Apple has gotten to merging a Mac and an iPad into a single device.