M5 iPad Pro: These surprise features make a compelling upgrade

The M5 iPad Pro is here, and with even more improvements over my M4 model than I was expecting. Here are the biggest surprise features of the new M5 iPad Pro.

M5 iPad Pro has more to offer than rumors suggested

In the lead-up to Apple’s M5 iPad Pro announcement today, rumored features for the device were minimal.

Other than the M5 chip, one of the only prominent rumors—a second front-facing camera—turned out not to be true.

I was fairly certain I would buy the new iPad Pro anyways, for two reasons:

1. The nano-texture display option, which I passed on last year
2. And the expected performance gains of the M5 chip

Since buying my M4 model and opting against nano-texture, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the feature. I also find myself frequently working in sunny environments where glare is a problem.

Also, my iPad Pro is my primary computer, where I do all my work. And for the first time, iPadOS feels like it could actually benefit from a more powerful chip thanks to iPadOS 26.

But Apple delivered a lot more with the M5 iPad Pro than I was expecting.

Here are some of the surprise upgrades:

• Memory bandwidth: 153GB/s unified memory bandwidth, nearly 30% more than M4 to enable “more seamless multitasking“
• C1X modem: Apple says this provides up to 50% faster cellular performance
• More battery on cellular: C1X uses up to 30% less power than the M4’s 5G modem
• Fast charging: You can fast-charge the M5 iPad Pro, with up to 50% charge in 35 minutes
• N1 wireless chip: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards, plus improved reliability of Continuity features
• 120Hz external display support: Better than ever compatibility with external displays

Overall, the M5 iPad Pro packs a lot more changes than Apple’s new MacBook Pro and Vision Pro.

And for me personally, these upgrades address needs I have today.

Why the M5 iPad Pro is a compelling upgrade for me

I love iPadOS 26, but multitasking would definitely benefit from more and better RAM. The base model M5 iPad Pro has 12GB of RAM, up from the 8GB in my M4 model. But I’m actually getting a bigger upgrade by choosing the 1TB model with 16GB.

My iPad Pro is typically used for hours every day on cellular, so faster performance and a smaller battery hit with C1X sound fantastic.

It’s not unusual for me to run my iPad Pro battery down. Fast charging support, therefore, is a very welcome addition.

With the N1 chip, Apple specifically mentions AirDrop and Personal Hotspot as offering improved performance and reliability. I suspect the benefits will extend to other Continuity features too—especially as N1 comes to more products.

Finally, I’m expecting to buy a new Studio Display when it launches, and 120Hz support on iPad hints at the next-gen Studio Display offering higher refresh rates.

All of these features, combined with the M5 chip and a fresh opportunity to go nano-texture, make the M5 iPad Pro a bigger than expected upgrade for me.

For more 9to5Mac M5 iPad Pro coverage:

• M5 iPad Pro vs M4 iPad Pro: Here’s everything new
• PSA: M5 iPad Pro models come with different RAM and CPU core counts
• Apple launches new iPad Pro with M5 chip, C1X modem

Do you plan to buy an M5 iPad Pro? If so, what model are you upgrading from? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPad Pro accessories

• Apple Pencil Pro (now only $99, down from $129)
• 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging
• AirPods Pro 3
• tomtoc Tablet sleeve bag for protection and style
• Baseus 10ft USB-C cable for extended reach