M4 iPad Pro running on iPadOS 26.
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ZDNET Highlights
- Apple recently released a new iPad Pro with the new M5 chip.
- The iPad Pro boasts stronger, more reliable performance, but one of its standout features is that it is more intelligent at connecting to the Internet and other devices than its predecessors.
- The new iPad Pro M5 is available for preorder today and will be officially available for purchase on October 22.
Apple unveiled a brand new M5 processor this week, powering new devices now available for preorder, including the iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and Apple Vision Pro. Built with on-device artificial intelligence (AI) in mind, the M5 chip is said to deliver 3.5x faster AI performance than the M4, making it better equipped to power Apple Intelligence features.
Also: Apple just launched the M5 MacBook, iPad, and Vision Pro: Specifications, prices, and availability
This processor makes iPad Pro with M5 Nearly five times faster than the M1 version, potentially offering consumers an upgrade that significantly speeds up image creation and video processing. Apple also says its new M5 processor is more energy-efficient and able to run AI apps and processes more smoothly than previous iPad Pro models, thanks to a neural accelerator in each GPU core.
However, one of the standout features of the new iPad Pro M5 is its improved wireless connectivity, thanks to its C1X and N1 chips. These make the new iPad Pro smarter about how it connects to the Internet and other devices.
The advanced N1 chip is the wireless controller of the iPad Pro M5, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2, and Thread. Wi-Fi 7 provides users with faster, more stable connections in challenging environments such as crowded places or large homes. Consumers can expect Bluetooth 6 to offer better connectivity range and less interference for the iPad Pro when establishing and maintaining connections to multiple devices, potentially providing lower latency for headphones, mice, keyboards, and game controllers.
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The C1X chip is Apple’s new in-house modem, delivering up to 50% faster cellular speeds and better efficiency than the iPad Pro M4. This makes video calls and cellular downloads easier, as well as reducing mobile data power usage by 30%. It also supports GPS and eSIM, so you won’t need a physical SIM card to add cellular connectivity, making it easier to switch carriers digitally. This is a big benefit for travelers who rely on their iPad Pro for work and need to change data plans while abroad.
Apple has quietly added thread radios to Macs and iPads over the past two years, but the company hasn’t activated or comprehensively addressed them. However, iOS 18 has enabled Thread Radio on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models with the intention of giving users direct control over Thread-compatible smart home devices.
Also: How to install iPadOS 26 right now (and which iPad models support it)
It’s unclear when Apple will enable thread control on the new iPad Pro, as the company hasn’t specifically mentioned a reason for including Thread Radio. What is clear is that the device has hardware and software support for Thread, although we don’t know if it will act as a full border router.
The new iPad Pro M5 is built for professionals, creators and artists. Its M5 chip delivers 6.7x faster 3D rendering, faster video encoder, and higher memory bandwidth. Apple has upgraded the iPad Pro 256GB and 512GB models with 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB), which will enhance multitasking and support creative workloads.
you can preorder m5 ipad pro Today at Apple, or wait until the sale officially starts on October 21st. The 11-inch iPad Pro M5 starts at $999, while the 13-inch model starts at $1,299 – both will be available in silver and space black finishes with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB variants.
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