By Jordan Grim
When it comes to tablets, the latest from Apple stands out. The Apple iPad Pro (M5) brings some meaningful improvements for 2025—especially for U.S. buyers who expect premium performance. If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s what matters.
At the heart of this tablet is the new Apple M5 chip, a real leap forward. Apple says it delivers up to 3.5× faster AI performance than the previous M4 model.
The graphics core has 10 GPU cores with a neural accelerator in each, plus unified memory bandwidth now hits around 153 GB/s.
Faster 3D rendering, smoother creative workflows, and better multitasking especially if you use apps like video editors, design tools or advanced image apps. That said—the design stays similar to previous versions, so if you already own a recent iPad Pro you may feel the upgrade is less dramatic.
Connectivity has been upgraded too. The latest iPad Pro features a new N1 wireless chip that brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while the cellular versions come equipped with the C1X modem, offering up to 50 percent faster connection speeds.
For charging, Apple now supports fast-charging that gets you to about 50% in around 30 minutes with the right adapter.
All of this means for U.S. users, whether you’re on the go or relying on high-speed broadband, the device is better tuned for modern workflows.
Visually, the new iPad Pro keeps the same stunning Ultra Retina XDR display with OLED, 11-inch and 13-inch size options, and finishes in Space Black or Silver.
But the tablet is only compatible with the USB-C Apple Pencil and the new Apple Pencil Pro—older stylus versions are not supported. Also, while the display is excellent, the overall design has not changed much from last generation—so upgrades here are mostly internal.
In the U.S., the starting price remains unchanged at $999 for the 11-inch WiFi model.
That’s good, but when you factor in the cost of accessories (Magic Keyboard, new Pencil) and the fact that performance improvements are incremental for non-power users, the value can vary.
If you’re a professional creator, designer, or someone who pushes your device hard—this may be a smart move. But if you already own a late-model iPad Pro (M4) or simply use a tablet for everyday tasks—streaming, browsing, light editing—you might see minimal benefit right now.
The Apple iPad Pro with M5 chip is clearly one of the most advanced tablets available in 2025. It pushes boundaries in AI, connectivity and performance. If you’re in the U.S. market and need the absolute best for creative or professional work—it’s a worthy upgrade. But if budget and accessory investment matter, it’s wise to compare last-generation options or other Apple devices.