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The M5 chip is the headline. Apple's third-generation 3nm process, with the same architecture as the M5 MacBook Pro. That means ~20% faster single-core performance vs M4, ~30% faster GPU, and significantly improved Neural Engine performance for Apple Intelligence and on-device ML tasks.
Most of the rest is iterative — the OLED Tandem Display carries over, Thunderbolt 5 is new (twice the throughput of TB4), Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and Apple Intelligence is now genuinely useful with the larger Neural Engine. The chassis is identical to the M4 generation — same nano-texture display option on 1TB and 2TB models, same Magic Keyboard compatibility, same Apple Pencil Pro support.
| Configuration | Storage | RAM | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11" M5 | 256GB | 8GB | $999 |
| iPad Pro 11" M5 | 512GB | 8GB | $1,199 |
| iPad Pro 11" M5 | 1TB | 16GB | $1,599 |
| iPad Pro 11" M5 | 2TB | 16GB | $1,999 |
| iPad Pro 13" M5 | 256GB | 8GB | $1,299 |
| iPad Pro 13" M5 | 1TB | 16GB | $1,899 |
| iPad Pro 13" M5 | 2TB | 16GB | $2,299 |
Cellular adds $200 to any configuration. Nano-texture display option is $100 on 1TB and 2TB models only (not available on 256GB or 512GB).
If you're upgrading from an older iPad and want the best display + chip in a portable size, this is the starting point. 256GB is enough for most users; 8GB RAM is plenty for everything short of pro video editing.
Shop iPad Pro 11" M5 →The 1TB tier unlocks 16GB of RAM and adds the nano-texture display option. The 13" gives you more screen real estate for split-view work, and 16GB matters if you run Procreate, LumaFusion, DaVinci Resolve, or Logic Pro alongside other apps.
Shop iPad Pro 13" M5 →If you actually plan to use the iPad as a primary work device, factor in the Magic Keyboard (~$349) and the Apple Pencil Pro (~$129). That's the actual cost of using the iPad Pro as a laptop, and you should plan for it.
Shop Full Setup →The biggest difference between the sizes isn't the chip (both are M5) — it's portability vs work surface. The 11" weighs just under a pound; the 13" is closer to 1.3 pounds. The 13" feels great as a primary work device on a desk; the 11" is what you actually take with you to coffee shops, on planes, and to the couch.
Get the 11" if you'll carry it daily. Get the 13" if it lives at a desk or you do serious split-screen / multi-window work.
The updated Magic Keyboard with the function row, larger trackpad, and aluminum palm rest. Backlit. Pass-through USB-C charging. Floating cantilever design.
Shop Magic Keyboard →The current-generation Apple Pencil with squeeze gestures, barrel roll for shape orientation, and haptic feedback. Required if you do any drawing, note-taking, or photo editing.
Shop Apple Pencil Pro →To take full advantage of Thunderbolt 5, you need a hub that supports it. Multi-display, fast external SSD, Ethernet, and pass-through power.
Shop Thunderbolt 5 Hub →Video editors should consider an external Thunderbolt SSD — 2TB+ for raw 4K and 8K project files. Storing project files externally also saves your built-in storage for apps and active projects.
Shop Thunderbolt SSDs →If you draw or take handwritten notes daily, a matte screen protector dramatically improves the Apple Pencil writing feel.
Shop Paperlike →AppleCare+ for iPad Pro M5 is $129 for 2 years on the 11" and $149 for 2 years on the 13" — about 13% of the device cost. It covers two incidents of accidental damage per year at a flat repair fee, plus an extended warranty for hardware failures.
For a $1,000+ tablet that travels and gets used with a stylus near hard surfaces, AppleCare+ pays for itself the first time you drop it. Strongly recommended if you'll carry it daily.
Apple offers 0% APR 24-month financing through Apple Card on iPad Pro purchases ($42-$96/month depending on configuration), plus 3% Daily Cash back. Apple Trade-In on older iPad Pro models is typically $200-$500 depending on age and condition. Trading in an iPad Pro M2 (2022) or newer is usually competitive with private sale prices.
| Model | Starts At | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| iPad (11th gen) | $349 | Kids, casual users, basic notes |
| iPad mini 7 | $499 | Travel, e-readers, one-handed use |
| iPad Air M3 | $599 | Most people — best value Apple Pencil + Magic Keyboard support |
| iPad Pro M5 | $999 | Creators, designers, video editors, laptop replacers |
| MacBook Air M4 | $999 | Anyone who needs macOS for development or pro apps |
Honest take: if you're not sure you need an iPad Pro, you probably want the iPad Air M3 instead. The Pro's advantages (OLED, M5 chip, Thunderbolt 5) matter most for professional creative workflows. For everything else, the Air is the better value.
If you'd rather have a technician handle the setup, data transfer from your old iPad, accessory pairing, and Apple ID sign-in, we offer mail-in setup service. Send us your iPad Pro M5, we'll do everything, and ship it back ready to use.