M5 iPad Pro Launch: Incremental Upgrades Delight Users
The initial reviews for the new M5 iPad Pro line have emerged, showcasing an incremental performance upgrade that enhances an already highly regarded tablet. While the 2025 model does not feature major cosmetic changes, it benefits from Apple’s latest M5 chip, improving both processing and graphical capabilities. This upgrade reinforces the iPad Pro’s reputation as the most powerful tablet in Apple’s lineup.
Reviewers from various tech publications have generally noted a lack of dramatic changes, a sentiment echoed across multiple platforms. Despite this, the updates remain significant in their own right.
Performance Enhancements and Design Consistency
David Pierce from The Verge reflects on the previous M4 model, which was praised as the best iPad at the time. He suggests that the question of how Apple could improve was met with the realization that it might not need to. The absence of outward design changes is not seen as detrimental; Pierce describes the new model as “still gorgeous,” although it has dropped the “iPad Pro” label from its rear.
Internally, the introduction of the M5 chip and Apple’s C1X modem, along with enhancements to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with the N1, mean that “everything’s a little faster,” according to Pierce. However, he adds that these improvements do not translate into noticeable differences in everyday usage. The update to iPadOS 26 offers more substantial changes, introducing notebook-like features that enhance productivity.
Kyle Barr from Gizmodo asserts that there is currently no tablet on the market that can surpass the iPad Pro’s appeal. He notes that while the device remains visually superior, the 2025 model essentially mirrors last year’s iteration. The minor upgrades are largely internal, with the M5 chip providing the most notable improvement, particularly in graphics performance, though this is dependent on app usage.
Barr also mentions the OLED screen as being “sublime,” and the four-speaker system continues to deliver robust sound quality. However, he cautions that the 12MP rear camera may disappoint users expecting iPhone 17 Pro-quality photography, with images described as flat and lacking vibrancy. For those considering an upgrade from a five-year-old device, Barr indicates that the OLED screen introduced in 2024 remains the main selling point, rather than the M5 chip.
Minor Updates and Software Improvements
Nathan Ingraham of Engadget characterizes the 2025 iPad Pro as having minimal surface-level changes, with the focus primarily on internal enhancements. He describes the update as a “very much a minor spec bump” compared to the previous year’s model. The new neural accelerator in the GPU cores contributes to improved graphical performance, with AI benchmark results highlighting significant gains. Nevertheless, Ingraham notes that the M5 chip may be “overkill” for typical users.
He emphasizes that both the hardware and display remain visually stunning, despite no significant alterations. Ingraham also praises the iPadOS 26 update for addressing “nearly every big software complaint users have had,” enhancing the overall user experience.
In summary, while the M5 iPad Pro may not present groundbreaking changes, the incremental upgrades and software enhancements solidify its position as a leading tablet option. Users can expect a device that combines aesthetic appeal with improved performance, although the enhancements may be more relevant for those seeking cutting-edge specifications rather than everyday users.
