Apple launched the iPad Pro nearly 10 years ago, yet this fall as the M5 iPad Pro arrives powered by iPadOS 26, the company will finally have a great reason for users to go Pro.
The disappointing history of iPad Pro letdowns
When the iPad Pro first came on the scene in 2015, I’ll confess that I thought it was kind of ridiculous.
“A 13-inch iPad? What’s the point?”
Turns out, I ended up loving the iPad Pro. I quickly made it my full-time computer, replacing the Mac.
But many users who have tried iPad Pro in the last decade ended up having the same ambivalence I did at first.
Many of us want the iPad Pro to be a capable computer. But it ends up disappointing. Why?
Because even with features like a 13-inch tandem OLED display, an M4 chip, cursor support, a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil—the iPad Pro is still “just” an iPad.
Which largely means: it still just runs iPadOS, a blown up iPhone operating system.
This fall, however, Apple has its best shot yet to make the iPad Pro more fully live up to its name.
Thanks to the M5 iPad Pro and iPadOS 26, it’s about to be the best time yet to go Pro.
M5 iPad Pro could get a big boost from iPadOS 26
With iPadOS 26, Apple has truly gone all-out to make the iPad a proper “computer.”
The feature-packed update, with a special focus on productivity upgrades, takes the iPad where many power users have been asking Apple to go for years.
Don’t believe me? Here’s my colleague Ben Lovejoy:
iPadOS 26 changes everything. With the capabilities the device now has, I don’t see how anyone could convincingly argue that it’s not a computer.
Ben was not at all sold on the iPad’s usefulness as a computer before now. His praise for what Apple’s done is significant.
Right around the time iPadOS 26 arrives, Apple will also launch its most powerful iPad hardware.
The new iPad Pro will be the first Apple device with the cutting-edge M5 chip.
It’s also expected to pack more RAM for upgraded performance, a second front-facing camera, and more.
Apple raised the iPad Pro’s price significantly last year, when the M4 model brought a beautiful, ultra-thin redesign, the Ultra Retina XDR display, and more.
At the same time, the company debuted its first 13-inch iPad Air model.
From what we can tell, the iPad Air has since been a huge hit for Apple, while iPad Pro sales have struggled.
Top comment by Ryan W
Window management and menu bars get you maybe halfway there, but people overlook that iPadOS still isn’t a desktop-class operating system and lacks desktop-class apps. Whenever I try to use an iPad or mobile version of an app, compared to its desktop counterpart, it’s like trying to draw with crayons. Takes twice as long to get stuff done. There just isn’t the same level of features, options, flexibility, file management, or the app simply doesn’t exist. Workarounds are the name of the game.
This whole exercise of trying to make iPadOS more and more capable each year is completely unnecessary and kind of a joke. Apple already has a desktop class platform that works great on the go. It’s called macOS, and it would work fabulously on an iPad with a keyboard and trackpad attached. Detach those items and it switches to iPadOS for a touch-first experience. Simple. Best of both worlds. One device. Less sales for Apple, though, and less App Store profit. I suspect that’s the real reason Apple is trying to reinvent a desktop OS for its most portable device. They want App Store lock-in. I wouldn’t be surprised if their long-term goal is to get rid of macOS altogether, because it will give them complete control.
And I get it: if you’re buying an iPad for some light web browsing, watching videos, or playing games, the iPad Air is a better fit.
But now with iPadOS 26, I suspect a lot more users will consider giving full-time iPad computing another shot.
And when they do, the M5 iPad Pro will arrive just in time for that attempt.
Does iPadOS 26 tempt you to try using the iPad Pro full-time? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPad accessories
- Apple Pencil Pro (now only $99, down from $129)
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, 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
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