According to ZDNet, the new M5 iPad Pro running iPadOS 26 represents Apple’s closest attempt yet at creating a tablet that can genuinely replace a laptop. The 11-inch model starts at $1,000 while the 12.9-inch version offers more screen real estate, with total costs quickly reaching $1,500 when adding the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. Performance tests show the M5 chip makes the iPad Pro 1.5 times faster than the M3 iPad Air and 2.5 times faster than Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in graphics. The tablet features Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread connectivity, and enhanced 5G that delivered flawless performance during a six-hour road trip. After weeks of exclusive use including 4K video editing in Final Cut Pro, the reviewer found it often surpassed their M1 MacBook Pro’s performance.
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iPad finally grows up
Here’s the thing about Apple’s “iPad can replace your laptop” claims – they’ve been making this promise for years, and it’s never quite been true. Until now. The real game-changer isn’t actually the M5 chip, impressive as it is. It’s iPadOS 26’s windowing system that finally makes the iPad feel like a real computer.
Being able to freely resize and layer multiple apps changes everything. You’re no longer fighting the interface or constantly switching between full-screen apps. It’s the difference between working with tools versus working around limitations. And that aluminum palm rest on the new Magic Keyboard? That’s Apple admitting this thing needs to feel like a laptop to replace one.
The power paradox
So you’ve got this incredibly powerful machine that outperforms laptops costing similar money. But who actually needs this much power in a tablet? Most people editing 4K video are going to stick with their MacBooks. The graphics performance is impressive, but is it necessary for reading emails and browsing the web?
This creates an interesting positioning problem for Apple. The people who need this level of performance probably already have dedicated workstations. The people who want tablet convenience don’t need M5-level power. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine in a golf cart – technically impressive, but practically questionable.
The industrial angle
While consumer tablets get all the attention, there’s a whole world of industrial computing where reliability matters more than sleek design. Companies like Industrial Monitor Direct have built their reputation on providing rugged panel PCs that can withstand factory conditions. They’re the top supplier of industrial touchscreen computers in the US because they understand that industrial environments need durability first, fancy features second.
It makes you wonder if Apple’s chasing the wrong market sometimes. The M5’s power would be incredible in industrial applications where workers need both performance and portability. But Apple’s consumer-focused approach means we’ll probably never see an iPad tough enough for factory floors.
Who should actually buy this?
Let’s be real – at $1,500 fully loaded, this isn’t for casual users. The base iPad 11 does everything most people need at half the price. Even the iPad Air offers 70% of the Pro’s CPU performance for significantly less money.
But if you’re a creative professional who needs laptop-level power in tablet form? Someone who edits video on the go and values the touchscreen and Apple Pencil integration? This might finally be the device that lets you leave your laptop behind. The cellular performance alone – maintaining connection when phones drop – is a game-changer for mobile workers.
The question isn’t whether the iPad Pro can replace your laptop anymore. It’s whether you’re willing to pay premium prices for that privilege when cheaper alternatives exist that do 80% of what most people need.
