Apple Introduces M5‑Powered iPad Pro, Emphasizing AI Capabilities
Key Points
- Apple unveiled a new iPad Pro powered by the M5 Apple Silicon chip.
- The tablet retains the same ultra‑thin design and Ultra Retina XDR display.
- M5 offers roughly 3.5 times the performance of the previous M4 chip.
- Includes a 16‑core Neural Engine, upgraded GPU, and 150 GB/s memory bandwidth.
- Adds C1X and N1 chips for Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and improved cellular.
- Pricing starts at $999 for the 11‑inch Wi‑Fi model and $1,299 for the 13‑inch Wi‑Fi model.
- Storage options go up to 2 TB; colors available are Space Black and Silver.
- Pre‑orders are open with shipments slated to begin soon after the launch.
Apple unveiled a new iPad Pro equipped with its latest M5 Apple Silicon chip, highlighting a strong focus on artificial‑intelligence performance. While the tablet retains the same ultra‑thin design and Ultra Retina XDR display, the M5 promises significantly faster processing, a larger Neural Engine, and upgraded connectivity including Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Pricing starts at $999 for the 11‑inch Wi‑Fi model and $1,299 for the 13‑inch Wi‑Fi model, with storage options up to 2 TB. Pre‑orders are open with shipments slated to begin shortly after the announcement.
Design and Display
Apple’s latest iPad Pro keeps the same ultra‑thin profile that has defined the line, with the 11‑inch model measuring 5.3 mm thick and the 13‑inch model at 5.1 mm. Both sizes feature the Ultra Retina XDR screen that uses tandem OLED technology to deliver deep blacks and vivid colors, offering no major aesthetic changes from previous generations.
Performance and AI Focus
The centerpiece of the new iPad Pro is the M5 Apple Silicon chip. Apple describes the M5 as substantially faster than the M4 found in earlier iPad Pro models, noting a performance boost of roughly 3.5 times. The chip includes a 16‑core Neural Engine and an updated GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, positioning the tablet to handle demanding AI workloads and generative‑AI applications. Memory bandwidth rises to 150 GB/s, which Apple says is about 30 % faster than the prior generation, further supporting multitasking and desktop‑like experiences.
Connectivity and Additional Hardware
Alongside the M5, Apple introduces the C1X and N1 chips to improve cellular connectivity and add support for emerging standards such as Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. These upgrades aim to keep the iPad Pro at the forefront of wireless performance.
Pricing, Storage, and Availability
Apple maintains its existing pricing structure for the new iPad Pro. The 11‑inch Wi‑Fi model starts at $999, while the 13‑inch Wi‑Fi model begins at $1,299. Both models are offered in Space Black or Silver and support storage capacities up to 2 TB. Pre‑orders are already open, with shipments expected to begin shortly after the announcement.
Strategic Implications
The announcement underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities across its hardware lineup. While Apple has not detailed a new version of its Siri or broader “Apple Intelligence” platform, the powerful M5 chip and expanded Neural Engine suggest the company is preparing its tablets for more sophisticated AI-driven tasks and third‑party generative‑AI services.