Apple has unveiled the next-generation iPad Pro, powered by its new M5 chip, marking the biggest leap yet in AI and graphics performance for its tablet lineup. Prices for the 11-inch model start at ₹99,990 for the Wi-Fi version and ₹1,19,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, while the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at ₹1,29,900 and ₹1,49,900, respectively. Pre-orders are live now, with availability beginning October 22.
The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes — 11-inch and 13-inch and is available in space black and silver finishes, with configurations ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Both models feature Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR display, built on tandem OLED technology, offering up to 1600 nits peak brightness and optional nano-texture glass for reduced glare.
A major leap in performance and AI
At the heart of this generation is the M5 chip, which Apple says brings up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 and up to 5.6x faster than the M1. Built with a next-generation GPU architecture that includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, the M5 enables faster on-device AI features — from image generation in apps like Draw Things to AI-assisted video masking in DaVinci Resolve.
The chip also introduces a 10-core GPU with third-generation ray tracing, making 3D rendering up to 6.7x faster than the M1 model and 1.5x faster than the M4. Apple claims its new CPU cores are the fastest in the world, benefiting tasks from design and video editing to large-scale multitasking.
Connectivity and memory upgrades
Connectivity gets a notable upgrade too. The new N1 wireless chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while cellular models feature Apple’s in-house C1X modem, offering up to 50% faster mobile data speeds with improved efficiency.
The new iPad Pro also doubles down on speed with faster memory bandwidth (150GB/s) and up to 2x faster storage read/write speeds. The 256GB and 512GB variants now start with 12GB of unified memory, a 50% increase over previous models. Fast charging is supported as well up to 50% battery in about 30 minutes with Apple’s 70W USB-C power adapter.
Thinner, lighter, and brighter
Despite the power boost, Apple has managed to make the new iPad Pro thinner than ever: the 11-inch model is just 5.3 mm, and the 13-inch model drops to 5.1 mm making it Apple’s slimmest device to date. The Ultra Retina XDR display continues to set a benchmark with exceptional contrast, ProMotion support, and up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness.
The device can also drive external 120Hz displays and introduces Adaptive Sync support, reducing latency for creative work or gaming.
iPadOS 26 brings new multitasking design
Running on iPadOS 26, the tablet gains a redesigned interface with a new translucent Liquid Glass aesthetic and a reimagined windowing system that allows users to manage multiple apps more intuitively. The OS also introduces a new Files app, a dedicated Preview app for PDFs, and new automation and translation tools powered by Apple Intelligence — the company’s on-device AI framework.
Accessories and sustainability
Apple’s latest accessories include the Apple Pencil Pro (₹11,900), Apple Pencil (USB-C) (₹7,900), and the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (₹29,900 for 11-inch, ₹33,900 for 13-inch). Education discounts bring prices down by roughly ₹2,000 across accessories.
The iPad Pro continues Apple’s environmental commitments, using 100% recycled aluminium, rare earth elements, and cobalt in the battery. It’s manufactured with 55% renewable electricity and features fully fiber-based packaging.
Verdict
With its combination of raw power, AI acceleration, and an ultra-slim OLED design, the M5-powered iPad Pro positions itself as both a creative tool and a portable AI workstation. But with prices now approaching ₹1.5 lakh for the larger model, Apple’s newest tablet clearly targets professionals and power users who want desktop-level performance in a lightweight form factor.
The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes — 11-inch and 13-inch and is available in space black and silver finishes, with configurations ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Both models feature Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR display, built on tandem OLED technology, offering up to 1600 nits peak brightness and optional nano-texture glass for reduced glare.
A major leap in performance and AI
At the heart of this generation is the M5 chip, which Apple says brings up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 and up to 5.6x faster than the M1. Built with a next-generation GPU architecture that includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, the M5 enables faster on-device AI features — from image generation in apps like Draw Things to AI-assisted video masking in DaVinci Resolve.
The chip also introduces a 10-core GPU with third-generation ray tracing, making 3D rendering up to 6.7x faster than the M1 model and 1.5x faster than the M4. Apple claims its new CPU cores are the fastest in the world, benefiting tasks from design and video editing to large-scale multitasking.
Connectivity and memory upgrades
Connectivity gets a notable upgrade too. The new N1 wireless chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while cellular models feature Apple’s in-house C1X modem, offering up to 50% faster mobile data speeds with improved efficiency.
The new iPad Pro also doubles down on speed with faster memory bandwidth (150GB/s) and up to 2x faster storage read/write speeds. The 256GB and 512GB variants now start with 12GB of unified memory, a 50% increase over previous models. Fast charging is supported as well up to 50% battery in about 30 minutes with Apple’s 70W USB-C power adapter.
Thinner, lighter, and brighter
Despite the power boost, Apple has managed to make the new iPad Pro thinner than ever: the 11-inch model is just 5.3 mm, and the 13-inch model drops to 5.1 mm making it Apple’s slimmest device to date. The Ultra Retina XDR display continues to set a benchmark with exceptional contrast, ProMotion support, and up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness.
The device can also drive external 120Hz displays and introduces Adaptive Sync support, reducing latency for creative work or gaming.
iPadOS 26 brings new multitasking design
Running on iPadOS 26, the tablet gains a redesigned interface with a new translucent Liquid Glass aesthetic and a reimagined windowing system that allows users to manage multiple apps more intuitively. The OS also introduces a new Files app, a dedicated Preview app for PDFs, and new automation and translation tools powered by Apple Intelligence — the company’s on-device AI framework.
Accessories and sustainability
Apple’s latest accessories include the Apple Pencil Pro (₹11,900), Apple Pencil (USB-C) (₹7,900), and the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (₹29,900 for 11-inch, ₹33,900 for 13-inch). Education discounts bring prices down by roughly ₹2,000 across accessories.
The iPad Pro continues Apple’s environmental commitments, using 100% recycled aluminium, rare earth elements, and cobalt in the battery. It’s manufactured with 55% renewable electricity and features fully fiber-based packaging.
Verdict
With its combination of raw power, AI acceleration, and an ultra-slim OLED design, the M5-powered iPad Pro positions itself as both a creative tool and a portable AI workstation. But with prices now approaching ₹1.5 lakh for the larger model, Apple’s newest tablet clearly targets professionals and power users who want desktop-level performance in a lightweight form factor.
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