Apple is preparing to launch an M5 iPad Pro later this year as one of the first products with its next-generation chip. Whatever the new features are, I know I’ll be buying one. Why? Because of a poor choice I made with my M4 model.
New M5 iPad Pro coming later this year
It’s shaping up to be a strong year for the iPad. We’ve already gotten an M3 iPad Air (currently $100 off) and new base iPad. iPadOS 19 will reportedly bring big upgrades like a Mac-style menu bar and overhauled Stage Manager.
And this fall, the M5 iPad Pro is expected to launch alongside a huge lineup of other new products.
Other than the M5 chip, very little is known about this new iPad. Perhaps it will come with enhancements specifically related to new iPadOS 19 features.
Even with minimal rumored details so far, I already know the M5 iPad Pro is in my future.
Why? Because I regret skipping the nano-texture option on my M4 model.
Hidden costs of nano-texture kept me from making the upgrade
Apple launched the M4 iPad Pro last year with several compelling upgrades, like an ultra-thin new design, beautiful tandem OLED display, and improved Magic Keyboard.
It also, unfortunately, raised the iPad Pro’s price significantly. You can regularly find discounts online, but it’s still a very premium product.
One of the new features of the M4 iPad Pro was its support for nano-texture display glass.
I strongly considered the $100 upgrade at the time, but ultimately declined. My 13-inch iPad Pro with new Magic Keyboard was already pricey enough.
Plus, the nano-texture option came with another very expensive requirement: in addition to the $100 surcharge, it was only available on models with 1TB of storage or more.
I only needed the 512GB model, meaning an upgrade to nano-texture would take my total from $1,499 all the way up to $1,999.
Even though I use the iPad as my full-time computer, $2,000 is still a jaw-dropping price tag.
Splurging on an M5 iPad Pro with nano-texture display
In my early time with the M4 iPad Pro, I was happy with my decision to skip nano-texture.
The ‘Ultra Retina XDR’ display gets bright enough that it’s fairly usable in sunlight, even without nano-texture glass.
But after reading articles like this, and spending much more time working in sunny environments than I anticipated, I’ve grown to regret my M4 decision.
Using my iPad in the sun with virtually zero glare sounds amazing.
Top comment by Blurft
All for the sake of not feeling guilty about splurging for an M5 iPad Pro with nano-texture display.
Frankly, anyone upgrading for the reasons described in this article should feel guilty. It's mindless consumerism stretching for a plausible-sounding justification.
You can get a 2-pack of Paperlike matte screen protectors for the 13" iPad Pro for $45. They can achieve the matte finish you want, and protect against permanent scratches, and be removed if you decide you don't want a matte finish in the future. That is the financially- and environmentally-responsible thing to do.
If you want to buy the new thing because you like the dopamine rush of buying the new thing, just be honest with yourself and, by extension, your readers.
It should also, in theory, extend battery life on the go since I won’t need to crank the brightness so much.
In conclusion, I hope Apple has some compelling upgrades in store for the M5 iPad Pro. And that I can get decent trade-in value for my M4 model. I may even try being less stingy with storage management on my iPad.
All for the sake of not feeling guilty about splurging for an M5 iPad Pro with nano-texture display.
Do you have nano-texture glass on any of your devices? Is it worth it? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPad accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
- 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
- tomtoc Tablet sleeve bag for protection and style
- Baseus 10ft USB-C cable for extended reach
- Anker Docking Station USB-C with Ethernet, HDMI, SD, more
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