Big news has come recently that the iPad Pro might not be the first device to get an M5 chipset inside of it. Let’s go over all the details, including the predicted release date, price, and everything known about the iPad Pro M5 when it is released.

MacBooks Getting the M5 First?

It looks like the MacBooks are going to be the first to get the M5 chipset inside them, not the iPad Pro. Back in late 2023, a similar situation happened where MacBook Pros were updated with the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. Then, in 2024, the M4 chipset was introduced, but it took about six months before it was put into devices like the MacBook Pro models.

This time around, it seems Apple is following the same strategy. However, an M5 iPad Pro is still expected. The previous iPad Pro skipped the M3 generation entirely, jumping straight from M2 to M4.

Design and Hardware Expectations

For the design, the current iPad Pro is not expected to have any major cosmetic changes. The last big update to the iPad Pro happened in 2024, and before that, the last major redesign was in 2018. So, it’s unlikely that Apple will introduce another major redesign so soon.

The iPad Pro will likely retain its ultra-thin 5.3mm and 5.1mm design and continue to offer 11-inch and 13-inch models. The Magic Keyboard that was introduced recently will still be compatible with the M5 version as well. The main change this time will be the inclusion of the M5 chipset.

RAM and Performance Upgrades

One of the biggest potential changes is the amount of RAM. Right now, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models have 16GB of RAM as the standard amount, and it looks likely that the iPad Pro M5 will follow suit. The current iPad Pro starts at 8GB of RAM for base models (256GB and 512GB storage options), while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM. With the M5 version, 16GB of RAM could become the new baseline, with higher-end models possibly going up to 24GB.

Expected Release Date

The new iPad Pro with the M5 chipset might be delayed slightly, potentially pushing its release into early 2026. Given that the MacBook Pro models with M5 are expected at the end of 2025, the iPad Pro will likely follow a few months later, similar to previous Apple chip release patterns. The current M4 iPad Pro will be nearly two years old by then, making it the right time for an upgrade.

Pricing Details

The pricing structure for the iPad Pro M5 is expected to remain similar to the current model. The base 11-inch model will likely still start at $999, with the 13-inch model also maintaining its current starting price. Storage options are not expected to change much, but external factors like tariffs could potentially impact pricing. Whether Apple absorbs any additional costs or passes them on to consumers remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

The iPad Pro M5 is shaping up to be a powerful upgrade, even if it doesn’t see many design changes. With the addition of the M5 chip and likely RAM upgrades, performance is expected to improve significantly. While the exact release date is still uncertain, it’s looking like early 2026 is the most probable timeframe. More updates will likely emerge as we get closer to its launch.