Apple releases new iPad Pro with M5 processor

Apple continues to blur the lines between MacBook and iPad. First, iPadOS 26 introduced an all-new multitasking feature that lets you work with apps like traditional windows on a computer: you can move, resize, and minimize them however you like. And then, earlier this week, Apple released an all-new iPad Pro with the latest M5 processor, with performance that exceeds that of current MacBook computers.

The new iPad Pro model is designed for both AI crunching and graphics-intensive tasks, such as video production and gaming. From a pilot’s perspective, it’s ridiculously overpowered for anything you’ll ever need to do in the cockpit. As we’ve stated many times here, the entry-level $349 iPad has more than enough processor, memory, and battery life to handle even the most demanding aviation EFB app effortlessly.

That said, we talk to many pilots who prefer to use the same iPad for both their non-aviation professional needs and flying, and the new iPad Pro makes a lot of sense for that scenario.

What’s new in the iPad Pro M5

First, here are the new specs of the new iPad Pro:

Processor – Apple M5

Capacity – 256GB to 2TB

Color – Black or Silver

Size – 11″ or 13″ (exact same footprint as iPad Pro M4)

Cellular Modem – First iPad with Apple’s own C1X modem (50% faster LTE/5G performance)

Wi-Fi Chip – First iPad with Apple’s own N1 chip (supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6)

RAM – the 256/512 GB storage models were upgraded to 12 GB RAM, and the 1 and 2 TB models continue to have 16 GB RAM

Diving deeper into the processor, the GPU features Neural Accelerators that enable AI tasks to run up to 4x faster than on the M4 in the previous iPad Pro.

Not all components were upgraded in this new model. The OLED display remains the same, battery life continues at around 10 hours, and there are no upgrades to the front or rear cameras. The nano-texture screen (read our review here) is available as an upgrade, but still requires a minimum of the 1 or 2 TB models ($$).

Finally, this is the first iPad model to offer fast charging. This allows you to add a 50% charge in just 35 minutes when using a USB-C power adapter or portable battery capable of providing 60W or higher power out. From a pilot’s perspective, this may be the most useful upgrade in the list.

Release date and pricing

The new iPad Pro is available for preorder now and starts shipping on October 22. The 11-inch model starts at $999 and the 13-inch model starts at $1299.

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Bret Koebbe

Bret is a senior vice president at Sporty's and senior flight instructor for Sporty's Academy. In addition to Bret's teaching responsibilities, Bret leads Sporty's video production and app development team and serves as editor of iPad Pilot News. As an airline transport pilot, Bret is a senior captain in Sporty's corporate flight department.

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