Apple is expected to launch the next-gen iPad Pro later this year – likely in the fall – and it is shaping up to be a serious powerhouse. This will be the eighth generation of the Pro model and all signs point to it being even more capable than the current iPad Pro M4 (2024). The big reason? A new chip.
Apple looks ready to roll out its next-gen M5 chip in the upcoming iPad Pro and if history tells us anything, it should bring a solid jump in both speed and efficiency. Every chip upgrade so far has pushed things forward and the M5 is expected to keep that streak going – better performance, longer battery life, all around smoother experience.
When it comes to design, don't expect big changes this time. Apple already revamped the iPad Pro in 2024, so it is pretty unlikely it will switch things up again just a year later. That means we are probably getting the same sleek, super slim build with OLED displays in two sizes, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1000 nits of brigtness.
Pricing is still up in the air – especially with potential import tariffs on the horizon. So we will have to wait and see how that shakes out.
That would line up nicely with the launch timeline of previous models like the 2018 and 2022 versions. However, the most recent iPad Pro models dropped in May 2024, so you never know with Apple and what the company could decide.
Want to see how past releases stack up? Check out the full timeline in the table below.
Device family
Announcement
Market release
Apple iPad Pro (5th generation)
April 20, 2021
May 21, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 2022 (6th generation)
October 18, 2022
October 26, 2022
Apple iPad Pro M4 (2024)
May 7, 2024
May 15, 2024
Apple iPad Pro M5 (2025)
October, 2025*
October, 2025*
* - probable dates
iPad Pro M5 price
There is no doubt the iPad Pro M5 will come with different price tags depending on the configuration you choose. But whether those prices will stay the same or climb higher? That is still up in the air.
The current model already saw a slight price bump, so another hike this year didn’t seem likely – at least not at first. But with the new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, a price increase could still be on the table. Exactly how much? No one knows yet, so for now, it is too early to make any solid predictions.
iPad model
128GB of storage
256GB of storage
512GB of storage
1TB of storage
2TB of storage
11-inch iPad Pro 2022 (6th generation)
$799
$899
$1099
$1499
$1899
12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022 (6th generation)
$1099
$1199
$1399
$1799
$2199
11-inch iPad Pro M4 (2024)
-
$1000
$1200
$1600
$2000
13-inch iPad Pro M4 (2024)
-
$1300
$1500
$1900
$2300
11-inch iPad Pro M5 (2025)
-
$1000*
$1200*
$1600*
$2000*
13-inch iPad Pro M5 (2025)
-
$1300*
$1500*
$1900*
$2300*
*- anticipated prices
If you are going for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version, expect to tack on around $200 more to the prices mentioned above.
iPad Pro M5 camera
The next model will probably have the same camera setup as the current one. | Image credit – PhoneArena
For now, there aren’t any signs of changes to the camera setup, so the iPad Pro M5 is expected to keep the same cameras as the current model. Apple moved the selfie camera to the center with the iPad Pro M4 (2024) and that position will likely stick around.
The ultra-wide lens was dropped with the 2024 model and chances are it won’t be making a return this time either. So, the upcoming model will probably have only one 12 MP main camera and the same front facing one.
That said, the chip inside should still let you shoot 4K video at 24, 25, 30, or 60 FPS, plus ProRes video at 4K 30 FPS – if you are into doing all that with a 12 MP tablet camera, of course.
iPad Pro M5 expected camera setup:
12 MP main camera
12 MP selfie camera
iPad Pro M5 storage
With the last model, Apple dropped the entry-level 128GB option and don’t count on it coming back. In 2025, for a device that starts around $1,000, that kind of base storage just doesn’t cut it anymore.
That said, we are not expecting any changes in storage tiers either, so you will likely be choosing from the same four configurations again.
11-inch iPad Pro M5 expected storage capacity:
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB
2 TB
13-inch iPad Pro M5 expected storage capacity:
256 GB
512 GB
1 TB
2 TB
iPad Pro M5 design
Last year was a huge one for the iPad Pro, with its first-ever OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, the M4 chip, support for the new Apple Pencil Pro and more. This year, however, it is expected to be a more modest update, with the M5 chip likely being the only major change.
So, we will likely see the same ultra-thin build, with the 11-inch model staying at just 5.1mm thin, and the larger 13-inch model around 5.3mm thin. That makes it the thinnest Apple device to date. While the upcoming iPhone 17 Air might try to take that title later this year, for now, the iPad Pro holds it and the next model should be just as slim.
The new Pro model will likely come in two sizes – 11-inch and 13-inch – available in Silver and Space Gray, at the very least.
iPad Pro M5 display
iPad Pro M5 should be available in a 11-inch and a 13-inch variant. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Just like the current iPad Pro, the upcoming M5 model is expected to pack the Ultra Retina XDR display, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a tablet screen.
Thanks to Tandem OLED tech, the display packs two OLED layers stacked together, delivering 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content. This makes the colors more accurate and the image quality sharp, giving you a totally immersive viewing experience.
Apple also added a nano-textured glass option last year for those who need to work in bright environments. It is only available on the 1TB and 2TB models for an extra $100, but it seriously reduces glare, making it a game-changer for anyone needing clear visuals in any lighting.
Pair all of this with the ProMotion technology that offers a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, and you’ve got a tablet that is not just easy on the eyes but also impressively smooth in performance.
iPad Pro M5 battery
Apple usually keeps battery specs close to the chest, so we don't get official numbers on battery size or charging speeds.
But based on previous models, we can take a pretty good guess at what is coming for the next-gen iPad Pro. The 11-inch version will likely pack an 8,300mAh battery, while the larger 13-inch model could bump that up to around 10,340mAh.
Charging speeds? Probably staying in the same ballpark as the current models, too – somewhere between 20W and 30W. So yeah, don't expect lightning-fast charging speeds this time either. It will likely still take a bit to fully juice up.
iPad Pro M5 features and software
The new iPad Pro models are expected to launch with either iPadOS 18 or iPadOS 26, depending on when they arrive. That is not a typo – iPadOS 26 might actually be the next version, as Apple is reportedly changing how it names its operating systems. Instead of sticking to version numbers, future updates may be labeled by year.
So, if you see iPadOS 26, it is likely referring to the 2026 release of iPadOS (yeah, Apple's skipping ahead with the naming).
The tech giant usually supports its devices with software updates for at least five years, so the iPad Pro M5 could be set to receive updates all the way through iPadOS 31 or 32.
With Apple putting a strong emphasis on its AI features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, you can expect these advancements to make their way into the upcoming iPad Pro as well. This means you can look forward to AI-driven features like:
AI-assisted writing and drawing with the Apple Pencil
Image Playground to generate images directly in apps
Generative photo editing (like Magic Eraser)
Image and emoji creation (Genmoji)
Audio recording transcription
A revamped iPad Calculator that integrates with Notes, turning numbers and formulas into dynamic, editable graphics in real-time
The ability to compose and modify the tone of emails or messages
To put it simply, the "nm" (nanometer) size of a chip indicates how small the parts inside are. A lower number generally means better performance and power efficiency. But even though the M5 won’t be using the latest 2nm tech, Apple is still stacking more circuit layers to boost efficiency. This means the M5 should still offer better performance while consuming less power, even if the nanometer size doesn’t change dramatically.
The current iPad Pro model is already fast, smooth and ultra-responsive, and we can expect the same with the M5 version. When it comes to performance, the current iPad Pro tops its competition and with the M5 chipset, the next model is set to keep that streak going strong.
The current iPad Pro M4 (2024) tops its main rivals in performance benchmarks. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Should I wait for the iPad Pro M5?
You should wait for the iPad Pro M5 if you want the latest and greatest by Apple. If you are rocking an older iPad Pro or iPad Air and you are thinking about upgrading, but you are not in a rush, this might be the perfect choice for you. The iPad Pro is an awesome digital companion for a variety of tasks – whether you are into drawing, writing, video calls, binge-watching YouTube and Netflix, or even tackling light audio/video projects. Plus, iPads are known for their durability, so even though they come with a hefty price tag, it is more of a one-time investment that can last you at least five years, and maybe even longer.
You should not wait for the iPad Pro M5 if you are rocking last year’s M4-powered iPad Pro. Or even the M1 version if you are a light user and just need it for basic stuff and no heavy tasks. While the new model will bring even better performance, those older versions are still more than capable. Also, if you are thinking about using it for a digital nomad lifestyle, just remember that iPadOS still leans toward a "one app at a time" setup. So, in terms of functionality, iPads still aren’t quite ready to replace laptops just yet.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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