What is new about the chip and cores?
The Apple iPad Pro now features Apple’s M5 chip with a 10-core CPU (four performance, six efficiency), a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator per core, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple states these upgrades enhance on-device AI and compute, speeding tasks like image generation, AI-video masking, and multitasking while conserving energy.
How does the iPad handle graphics and creative work?
M5 includes a third‑generation ray‑tracing engine and higher graphics throughput. Apple cites large gains for 3D rendering and video work, faster ray‑traced rendering, quicker transcodes in Final Cut Pro for iPad, and faster AI image generation and video upscaling in apps like Draw Things and DaVinci Resolve. The improvements target designers, video editors and other users who run visually demanding apps.
What changed for memory, storage and multitasking?
Unified memory bandwidth exceeds 150GB/s, and the 256GB and 512GB models now start with 12GB of unified memory. Some models offer up to twice the read/write storage speed. These hardware updates, together with iPadOS 26’s new windowing system, aim to make switching between large files and multiple apps smoother.
What wireless and cellular improvements are included?
Cellular models feature Apple’s C1X modem, providing up to 50 per cent faster data speeds, improved energy efficiency, global 5G, and eSIM support. The N1 chip adds Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, boosting network performance and reliability for Hotspot and AirDrop.
How has the display and design changed?
The Apple iPad Pro is available in 11‑inch and 13‑inch sizes, in Space Black and Silver. Its Ultra Retina XDR display features tandem OLED tech, supporting 1,000 nits full‑screen brightness, up to 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, and offers a nano‑texture option for glare reduction. The 11‑inch model is 5.3 mm thick, and the 13‑inch version is up to 5.1 mm thick. It can drive external displays at 120Hz with Adaptive Sync for lower latency.
Also Read: Apple Vision Pro M5: All You Need To Know
What accessories, sustainability features, pricing, and variants are available?
iPadOS 26 includes a redesigned interface, a new Files app and a Preview app for PDFs. Supported accessories include Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB‑C), and Magic Keyboard. The new iPad Pro uses 30 per cent recycled content by weight and recycled aluminium in the enclosure. Models are available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations. In the UAE, pricing for the 11‑inch starts at AED 4,199 (Wi‑Fi) and AED 4,999 (Wi‑Fi + Cellular); the 13‑inch starts at AED 5,499 (Wi‑Fi) and AED 6,299 (Wi‑Fi + Cellular).
