Apple has officially kicked off a new generation of computing power with the introduction of its M5 chip, now powering the all-new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models. Announced on October 15, 2025, the company’s latest hardware lineup marks a major leap in performance, AI capabilities, and efficiency — setting the stage for what Apple calls “the next big leap in AI for iPad and Mac.”
The M5 Chip: Apple Silicon’s Next Evolution
At the heart of both the new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro is the M5 chip, Apple’s most advanced processor yet. The M5 introduces a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core, dramatically boosting AI and graphics performance.
According to Apple, the M5 delivers:
- Up to 3.5× faster AI performance than the M4 chip
- Up to 5.6× faster AI performance than the M1 chip
- Up to 6.7× faster 3D rendering with ray tracing compared to the M1 iPad Pro
- Up to 6× faster video transcoding in Final Cut Pro for iPad
These gains are powered by a 10-core CPU (four performance cores and six efficiency cores) and a third-generation ray-tracing engine, making the M5 ideal for creators, developers, and professionals working with demanding AI and 3D workloads.
iPad Pro with M5: The Ultimate AI Tablet
The new iPad Pro with M5 is Apple’s most powerful and portable tablet ever — and it’s designed from the ground up for AI-driven creativity and productivity.
Key Features:
- Sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch
- Design: Ultra-thin (5.3 mm and 5.1 mm respectively), available in Space Black and Silver
- Display: Ultra Retina XDR with tandem OLED technology, 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, and optional nano-texture glass for glare reduction
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 7 support via the new N1 wireless chip
- C1X modem for 50% faster cellular data and 30% better power efficiency
- Bluetooth 6 and Thread support for smart home integration
The iPad Pro’s M5 chip also supercharges on-device AI for tasks like:
- Diffusion-based image generation in apps like Draw Things
- AI video masking in DaVinci Resolve
- Real-time upscaling and intelligent editing using Apple’s Foundation Models framework
The iPad Pro starts at $999 (11-inch Wi-Fi) and $1,299 (13-inch Wi-Fi), with pre-orders open now and availability starting October 22, 2025.
iPadOS 26: Smarter, Sleeker, and More Capable
Launching alongside the new iPad Pro is iPadOS 26, a major update that redefines multitasking and design.
Highlights include:
- New Liquid Glass interface, a dynamic, translucent design that reacts to user input
- All-new windowing system for true desktop-style multitasking
- Menu bar and customizable folders in the Dock for better organization
- Preview app for PDF editing with Apple Pencil Markup
- Apple Intelligence integration for AI-driven features like Live Translation, intelligent actions in Shortcuts, and smarter reminders
Developers and professionals also gain Background Tasks, advanced audio input control, and local capture for high-quality recordings — all optimized for Apple silicon.
MacBook Pro with M5: The Powerhouse Laptop
Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple also unveiled new MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 chip, available in 14-inch and 16-inch configurations.
According to CNBC, the new MacBook Pros start at $1,599, with pre-orders open now and general availability beginning October 22, 2025.
The M5 MacBook Pros feature:
- Up to 12-core CPU and 40-core GPU options (for M5 Pro and M5 Max variants)
- Massive AI acceleration, thanks to an upgraded Neural Engine
- Superior battery life, maintaining all-day performance despite the power gains
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 and faster SSD storage
These laptops are aimed squarely at professionals who demand top-tier performance for AI modeling, video production, and 3D rendering — all while maintaining Apple’s signature energy efficiency.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Apple also refreshed its accessory lineup to complement the M5 iPad Pro:
- Apple Pencil Pro ($129) — adds haptic feedback, squeeze gestures, and precision controls
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro ($299 for 11-inch, $349 for 13-inch) — redesigned with a floating aluminum palm rest, larger glass trackpad, and function row
- 40W Dynamic Power Adapter ($39) — supports up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes
Sustainability and Apple 2030
Apple continues its march toward carbon neutrality by 2030. The new iPad Pro is made with 30% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum, rare earth elements, and cobalt in the battery. Packaging is 100% fiber-based, and manufacturing uses 55% renewable electricity.
The Bottom Line
With the M5 chip, Apple has entered a new phase of its silicon evolution — one defined by AI-first performance, ultra-efficient design, and cross-device synergy.
The new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro don’t just iterate on their predecessors; they redefine what portable computing can do in an era dominated by machine learning, creative workflows, and intelligent automation.
Apple’s M5 generation isn’t just faster — it’s smarter, greener, and built for the future of AI-powered productivity.
Availability:
- Pre-orders: Open now on apple.com/store
- In stores: October 22, 2025
- Starting prices:
- iPad Pro (11-inch): $999
- iPad Pro (13-inch): $1,299
- MacBook Pro (14-inch): $1,599
