iPad Pro Gets the M5 Treatment, Starts at RM4,499

Aside from the new M5-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple has also refreshed its top-of-the-line tablet lineup with the launch of the new iPad Pro with M5, taking another leap in AI performance and overall capability. The latest model keeps the same slim design but introduces faster hardware, a smarter display and an upgrade in overall processing power – all while running on iPadOS 26.

Featuring a redesigned 10-core GPU and a Neural Accelerator in each core, Apple claims up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 iPad Pro, and up to 5.6x faster than the M1 model. Everyday tasks like AI image generation, background video masking, and on-device creative work are now faster and smoother, thanks to the upgraded Neural Engine that’s built specifically for AI workloads.

In real-world use, the M5 chip’s performance uplift should be noticeable across creative and professional apps. With a 10-core CPU design and a third-generation ray-tracing engine, the new iPad Pro promises 1.5x faster graphics than before and up to 6.7x faster rendering compared to the M1 version. Video editors can expect up to 6x faster transcoding speeds in Final Cut Pro, while AI tools like Draw Things and DaVinci Resolve see up to 4x faster image generation and 3.7x faster video upscaling, respectively.

Apple has also increased the unified memory bandwidth to 150GB/s, around 30% more than the previous model, alongside 2x faster storage speeds for quicker file handling and project loading. The 256GB and 512GB variants now come with 12GB of memory, making multitasking smoother, especially for heavy creative workflows. Fast charging is supported too, allowing the iPad Pro to reach 50% battery in roughly 30 minutes with Apple’s 70W USB-C adapter.

Connectivity sees some notable upgrades as well. Cellular models now use Apple’s new C1X modem, offering up to 50% faster data speeds and improved power efficiency. Meanwhile, the new N1 wireless chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity, resulting in better network reliability whether you’re transferring files or using AirDrop.

Design-wise, the 11-inch iPad Pro measures just 5.3mm, while the 13-inch version is 5.1mm, making it the thinnest iPad to date. Both feature the Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology, capable of 1,000 nits full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness. For professionals working in bright environments, a nano-texture glass option is available to cut down glare without compromising contrast. The iPad Pro now also supports external 120Hz displays with Adaptive Sync, ensuring smoother visuals and lower latency for creative work and gaming.

Running on iPadOS 26, the new iPad Pro gains a fresh Liquid Glass aesthetic and a new multitasking system that allows easier app switching and window management. The update also brings a redesigned Files app, a dedicated Preview app for PDF editing, and enhanced Apple Pencil integration. AI-powered features under Apple Intelligence include live translation, smarter Reminders, and improved automation in Shortcuts, all processed privately on-device.

The iPad Pro with M5 is available in silver and space black, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.

iPad Pro 11-inch (Wi-Fi): RM4,499

iPad Pro 11-inch (Wi-Fi + Cellular): RM5,399

iPad Pro 13-inch (Wi-Fi): RM5,799

iPad Pro 13-inch (Wi-Fi + Cellular): RM6,699

The new iPad Pro with M5 will be available for pre-order via Apple Malaysia’s official website very soon.