Apple users are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new iPad M5 with the new chip. Apple updates its iPad Pro lineup with new processors every year, but this time, things have gotten a little interesting. A video has recently surfaced online, allegedly showing the iPad Pro with the M5 chip. Interestingly, Apple hasn’t officially announced the M5 processor yet, but this model has been “leaked.” The question now is: is this the real device? And if so, what’s new in the iPad M5 compared to the iPad M4? Let’s explore everything in detail in this article.
New iPad Pro M5 Box and Packaging
If you’ve watched the iPad Pro M5 leak video, you’re first shown the box. It’s a fairly slim box, and unlike before, there’s no power adapter included. The iPad UK variant, which is reportedly priced between 2,000 and 3,000 euros, will require a separate charger. Apple has done this before, but this move is considered disappointing for such an expensive tablet. (However, the price will only be known when it launches; no official announcement has been made yet.)
The box design is nearly identical for both the M4 and M5 iPad Pros. Apple may vary the packaging slightly in different markets, but the absence of a power adapter is becoming “normal.”
iPad Pro M5: Design and Build
Apple hasn’t made any major changes to the iPad Pro M5’s design and build. It looks almost entirely identical to its predecessor, the iPad Pro M4. The company has retained the same 13-inch display size and is available in Silver and Space Black colors. The body is still made of aluminum, which certainly adds to the premium feel, but the lack of innovation is clearly felt.
The keyboard and folio case also fit the same as the previous iPad Pro, meaning Apple hasn’t changed any magnetic alignment or design. The camera module and front camera are also the same, meaning there’s no “wow factor” this time around.
iPad Pro M4 vs iPad Pro M5 – Design and Build Comparison
Features | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M5 |
---|---|---|
Screen Size | 13-inch | 13-inch |
Body Material | aluminium | aluminium |
color options | Silver, Space Black | Silver, Space Black |
Keyboard/Folio Case | Compatible | Same compatible |
Camera | Old camera module | Same old module |
Design Changes | No major changes | No major changes |
Let us tell you that this feature will be considered a leak until Apple makes an official announcement, but if it is really going to come with Apple’s new iPad Pro M5 chip, then it is a matter of concern for Apple because this leak has revealed everything.
iPadOS 26 and Minor Changes
It’s worth noting that iPadOS 26 appears to be pre-installed on the device. It shows some minor UI changes, such as the ability to customize the left column. But no major features or new design elements are visible. This is interesting because the device doesn’t have any markings like “iPad Pro” or “Designed by Apple in California.” This could either be a pre-production sample or Apple is preparing to remove such text branding from its products. In my personal opinion, I believe this branding is only used when Apple makes it available for sale in the market.
iPad Pro M5: Performance and Benchmark Tests
Performance tests of the iPad Pro M5 in the video show that the new M5 processor offers slight but significant improvements over the previous M4 model. Single-core performance is approximately 10% faster in CPU tests, while multi-core performance is 15% better. GPU performance sees even greater improvements, with approximately 34–35% graphics performance. RAM has also increased to 12GB, which is helpful for multitasking and high-end apps.
However, the M4 outperformed the M5 in some CPU tests, suggesting that benchmark apps aren’t fully supporting the M5 processor yet. However, for general use, the M5 processor delivers a smoother and faster experience, especially in graphics-intensive tasks.
Below is a comparison table of key benchmarks and specs of the M4 and M5 models so you can judge for yourself how much better the M5 is compared to the M4:
Feature/Model | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M5 | Improvements/Differences |
---|---|---|---|
CPU cores | 4 cores | 6 cores | Multi-core performance +15% |
CPU single-core | Basic Performance | ~10% faster | Mild improvement |
GPU | Basic Graphics | +34–35% performance | Increased graphics performance |
RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Improved multitasking and smoothness |
Storage | 256GB–2TB | 256GB–2TB | no changes |
YOU | iPadOS 26 | iPadOS 26 | No major changes |
Based on the performance and benchmark tests in the video, we can tell that Apple’s M5 model has seen slight improvements in CPU and GPU performance. However, an oddity is that the M4 outperforms the M5 in some CPU tests. It’s possible that the benchmark software doesn’t fully support the M5 yet.
Apple’s Upgrade Pattern: Is It Really Necessary?
Apple introduces a new processor to its iPad Pro every year, offering a slight performance boost. The M5 processor is part of that pattern. However, the question is whether the average user really needs that much power.
- CPU Performance: The M5 chip is about 10% faster in single-core and 15% faster in multi-core.
- GPU Performance: Graphics performance has been improved by about 34–35%.
- RAM increased: 8GB in M4, 12GB RAM in M5.
- Limited benefits: Most users use the iPad for web browsing, media, notes, or social apps.
- High-end tasks: Video editing or working on pro apps still feels “awkward” on the iPad.
- Real Need? The M5 processor may be useful only for high-end users and heavy professional tasks.
Ultimately, Apple’s upgrade pattern isn’t necessarily significant for the average user; it’s simply a minor performance improvement that’s introduced annually with a new processor. However, it’s currently in testing, and it’s likely to see further performance improvements when it’s released.
iPad Pro M4 vs M5: Battery and Charging
Features | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M5 |
---|---|---|
Battery Capacity | Almost the same (around 10,000 mAh) | Almost the same (around 10,000 mAh) |
charger in the box | Not included | Not included |
Recommended Charger | 45W Power Delivery (buy separately) | 45W Power Delivery (buy separately) |
Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Battery Life (Normal Use) | About 10–12 hours | About 10–12 hours |
Battery life (high-end use) | May expire quickly on Pro apps | May expire quickly on Pro apps |
Fast charging | Slower than a 20W charger, faster than a 45W charger | Slower than a 20W charger, faster than a 45W |
External device support | Connectivity via USB-C | Slower than a 20W charger, faster than a 45W charger |
The iPad M5’s battery life and charging experience are similar to the previous iPad Pro M4 model, but there are some important changes and caveats. Apple still doesn’t include a power adapter in the box, so you’ll need to purchase a separate charger for faster charging. The tablet’s battery performance is perfectly adequate for normal use; however, heavy multitasking and running professional apps can quickly drain the battery.
Final Thoughts
The iPad Pro M5 offers moderate improvements in CPU, GPU, and RAM, while maintaining the same design, battery, and storage capabilities as the M4. For average users, the upgrade may feel minor. High-end professionals may find the extra power useful for demanding applications. The leak gives a good preview of Apple’s upcoming flagship, but official details will only emerge at launch.
Finally, what do you think about this leaked video, and do you think this variation could really be the iPad Pro M5? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
SEE ALSO: M5 vs M4 Chips: What Will Be the Difference in CPU, GPU, AI, and Battery Benchmarks?