Apple’s Latest iPad Pro Features Groundbreaking M5 Chip
According to reports from Forbes contributors, Apple Inc. has announced an all-new iPad Pro powered by the company’s latest M5 chipset. While the external design maintains the same ultra-thin 5.1mm chassis, sources indicate significant internal upgrades that position this as more than just an incremental refresh.
Performance And AI Capabilities See Major Boost
The report states that the M5 processor brings an all-around performance boost to the new iPad Pro, with Apple claiming it is 5.6x faster than the M1 model. The M5 chip features up to a 10-core CPU with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. Analysts suggest the next-generation GPU, which houses a Neural Accelerator in each core, enables the tablet to provide up to 3.5x the AI performance of the M4 iPad Pro.
Additionally, the Apple M5 processor reportedly sports a faster 16-core Neural Engine for energy-efficient performance. This comes amid broader industry discussions about AI development, with some experts drawing parallels to previous technology bubbles while others like Jamie Dimon maintain AI isn’t a bubble despite some overhyped projects.
Enhanced Connectivity And Memory Upgrades
For cellular iPad Pro models, Apple has included a new custom-designed C1X modem that reportedly provides up to 50% faster cellular data performance than its predecessor. The tablet also features Apple’s new in-house wireless networking chip, the N1, which handles Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.
Sources indicate the memory bandwidth has seen nearly a 30% increase, with the new iPad Pro offering over 150GB/s of unified memory bandwidth compared to 120GB/s on previous models. Storage performance has also been updated to provide 2x faster read and write speeds, according to the analysis.
RAM Configuration And Fast Charging Capabilities
The report states that both 256GB and 512GB variants now come paired with 12GB of RAM, marking a significant upgrade from previous configurations. Like Apple’s other recent product launches, including the teased MacBook Pro M5, the new iPad Pro now supports fast charging capabilities.
Reportedly, the device can charge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes when used with a 40W adapter or higher. This enhancement comes as technology companies face increasing regulatory and political considerations regarding product performance and consumer expectations.
Pricing, Availability And Leadership Context
The new M5 iPad Pro is now available for pre-orders and will go on sale starting October 22 in silver and black color options. Consumers can choose from 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.
Pricing reportedly starts at $999 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and $1,199 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular variant. This product launch occurs amid broader industry leadership changes, similar to recent interim CEO appointments seen across the technology sector.
Other features remain consistent with previous models, including the high-end OLED display with anti-reflective coating, up to 10 hours of battery life, support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the same 12MP Center Stage front-facing camera.