Apple M5 iPad Pro Launch in 2026
M5 iPad Pro (2026) – Rumored Features & Specifications
Release Timeline: Recent reports place the M5 iPad Pro’s launch in late 2025 or very early 2026. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says mass production is slated for 2H 2025, and an 18‑month upgrade cycle suggests a fall launch (around Sept/Oct). Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman concurs that it will ship in the second half of 2025 (likely with iPadOS 26 in tow). In short, expect the new iPad Pro around late 2025 (some sources even call it an early 2026 device).
Chip and Performance
Apple M5 Chip: The M5 iPad Pro will be powered by Apple’s next-generation M5 Apple Silicon. It is built on TSMC’s 3nm N3P process, and rumors suggest it offers a modest speed boost (~5% faster) and up to ~10% better power efficiency over the M4 chip.
Packaging & Variants: Like recent Apple chips, the M5 family may include higher-end variants (Pro/Max) that use vertical chip-stacking (SoIC) for improved thermal performance and power delivery. The iPad Pro model is expected to use the base M5 variant.
Launch Order: Industry sources note the iPad Pro will likely be the first Apple device to ship with M5 silicon – with M5 MacBook Pros and other Macs following in early 2026.
Minor Update (“Chip-and-Ship”): All signs point to the M5 iPad Pro being a light refresh focused on the chip upgrade. Mark Gurman calls it a “chip-and-ship” update: apart from the new M5 processor, there are no major hardware overhauls. In other words, the core CPU/GPU is new, but most other internals remain the same.
Design and Display
Same Sizes & OLED Panels: The M5 iPad Pro is expected to continue with 11‑inch and 13‑inch models, both using OLED displays with 10–120Hz ProMotion for smooth motion. No change in screen technology is rumored (the current OLED panels remain state-of-the-art).
Slimmer Bezels (Possible): A Korean report cites a move to an LG Innotek “chip-on-film” display driver (LX Semicon DDI) which could allow tighter integration of components at the edges. In practice, this means the iPad Pro could get ultra-slim bezels without increasing the overall size. (Apple had previously used Samsung drivers; a switch to LG’s CoF could both shrink bezels and improve power efficiency).
Design Continuity: Aside from the new camera, the M5 model’s chassis is expected to look much like the current iPad Pro. Analysts describe it as a “light refresh” with no major industrial redesign. The flat-edge aluminum frame, thin profile, and Liquid Retina look will likely carry over. (In short, don’t expect a new shape or drastically different aesthetics beyond the dual-camera bump.)
Cameras
Dual Front Cameras: A key rumored upgrade is dual front-facing cameras – one on each side of the bezel. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the new iPad Pro will have two front cameras (one on the “portrait” short edge, one on the “landscape” long edge). This lets users take selfies or FaceTime calls in either orientation without moving the device.
Face ID: With cameras on both edges, Face ID should work seamlessly in portrait or landscape mode. In other words, facial authentication and video calls will be more convenient whether you hold the iPad vertically or dock it horizontally.
Rear Camera & LiDAR: The rear camera system is expected to remain the same as the current model. Reports indicate it will continue using a single 12MP wide camera plus a LiDAR depth sensor (with quad-LED flash). In short, no multi-lens or ultra-wide upgrade is rumored – the focus of the revision is up front.
Connectivity and Ports
USB-C / Thunderbolt: The M5 iPad Pro will retain a USB‑C connector that supports Thunderbolt 3 speeds. This means full support for high-speed data, multiple external displays, and charging over USB-C (just like the current Pro).
Wireless: Wireless specs aren’t detailed in leaks, but expect the latest Wi‑Fi 6E (or Wi‑Fi 7) support as in current iPads, along with 5G on cellular models. Notably, Apple’s own 5G modem is not ready for this model – sources say the M5 iPad Pro’s cellular versions will use Qualcomm (or similar) 5G chips, and Apple’s custom modems (C1/C2) won’t appear until later (likely 2026 or beyond).
Storage: Configurations are expected to offer up to 2TB of SSD storage. The base storage tier may double to 256GB (versus 128GB base before), which has effectively raised prices (see below).
Software Enhancements
iPadOS 26 (Late 2025): Apple has previewed iPadOS 26, which will be the version shipping on new iPad Pros this fall. iPadOS 26 brings a major interface overhaul: a redesigned UI (“Liquid Glass” theme) and a powerful new windowing system for multitasking. Users will be able to freely resize and tile app windows, use Exposé and Stage Manager enhancements, and manage more on-screen content than ever.
Apple Intelligence & Productivity: iPadOS 26 integrates “Apple Intelligence” features more deeply. It includes live translation in FaceTime, Messages, and phone calls, plus AI-powered generative tools (like “Genmoji” avatars and image prompts) and smarter Shortcuts actions.
File and Media Apps: The update also overhauls core apps: a supercharged Files app (with customizable folders, Dock access) and a new Preview app for PDF annotation and markup. Background tasks are introduced for creatives – e.g. the system can do audio/video processing in the background – along with new audio recording tools. In summary, iPadOS 26 is the biggest iPadOS update yet, greatly boosting multitasking and productivity.
Storage and Pricing
Pricing: Current rumors suggest Apple will hold starting prices around $999 for the 11-inch model and $1299 for the 13-inch model. However, Apple is moving to a higher base capacity (256GB instead of 128GB), which amounts to an effective $100 hike in each tier. For example, the new 11‑inch base model (256GB) carries a similar price to last year’s 128GB unit.
Capacities: Confirmed storage options are expected to go up to 2TB (matched with the high-end pricing tier). No SSD change has been reported beyond the higher base.
Other Costs: Some analysts note that ongoing trade/tariff issues (TSMC’s chip tariffs) could slightly inflate costs in the U.S., but the published prices should remain around $999/$1299 for the entry 256GB models
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