The M5 iPad Pro arrives at a moment when Apple’s tablet line is being judged not by single headline features but by the totality of smaller improvements. When paired with iPadOS 26, these updates — from the new N1 Wi‑Fi 7 chip and the C1X 5G modem to faster charging and native support for 120Hz external displays — create a user experience that is perceptibly smoother, more reliable, and better suited to professional workflows. In this long‑form review we dissect each change, show where the M5 shines, and explain whether the collection of upgrades justifies an upgrade or a new purchase.

What’s New: Hardware That Matters

At first glance, the M5 may look like an evolutionary step rather than a revolutionary one, but the hardware list is meaningful. The Apple M5 chip brings incremental performance gains and a more capable Neural Accelerator — important for on‑device machine learning and AI tasks — while the introduction of the N1 Wi‑Fi 7 radio means sustained higher throughput for cloud‑bound creators and remote professionals. Add the C1X 5G modem for more reliable mobile connectivity and you've got a device that's significantly more future‑proof than the previous generation for users who depend on bandwidth and low latency. Reviewers from outlets including 9to5Mac note that these additions "add up" — they are small when viewed alone, but together they change the device’s practical capabilities.

M5 iPad Pro Review — Why Small Upgrades With iPadOS 26 Add Up

Faster Charging: Real‑World Gains

One of the most tangible improvements is charging speed. When paired with a 60W+ USB‑C charger, the M5 iPad Pro delivers a noticeable reduction in top‑up time — tests report a 50% charge in roughly 35 minutes and a full charge nearing 1 hour 20 minutes under ideal conditions. For professionals who travel or juggle long shoots and meetings, a faster charge translates into more usable hours and less anxiety about finding outlets between tasks. That alone is an argument for creators who need the device to be ready on demand.

External Display at 120Hz: A Desktop‑Like Experience

Apple’s addition of native 120Hz external display support finally narrows the gap between iPad and desktop experiences. In practical terms, connecting the M5 to a high‑refresh monitor results in fluid motion, smoother animations, and a responsiveness that content creators and designers will immediately appreciate. Whether you’re color‑grading video, drawing in Procreate, or editing in Affinity Photo, the higher refresh rate can make complex interactions feel less mediated by software and more natural — an important factor for anyone using the iPad as a primary creative workstation.

Software: iPadOS 26 Unlocks More

Of course, hardware is only half the story. iPadOS 26 brings refinements that better match the M5’s capabilities: improved multitasking, new continuity features, and optimizations for external display workflows. Reviewers praise iPadOS 26 for making the iPad feel more professional and productive, though there remains a gap in the app ecosystem when it comes to heavy local AI and ML workloads. The paradox is clear — the hardware is ready; the software and third‑party apps must continue to evolve to fully harvest that potential.

Performance & Multitasking: The M5 In Daily Use

Real‑world tests show the M5 iPad Pro comfortably handling dozens of background and foreground tasks without significant slowdowns. Jumping between multiple pro apps — video editing, large PSD files, a dozen browser tabs and a video call — highlights the M5’s strength: sustained performance under load. This isn't just benchmarking bragging rights; it materially improves workflows for power users who need to switch contexts quickly without waiting for apps to refresh.

M5 iPad Pro Review — Why Small Upgrades With iPadOS 26 Add Up

Where the M5 Still Falls Short

Despite its advances, the M5 iPad Pro is not a perfect laptop replacement for every user. Developers and AI researchers will note that while the Neural Accelerator is promising, the iPadOS ecosystem still lacks many native tools for advanced local machine learning experiments and command‑line workflows. Professionals who rely on full desktop environments, specialized dev toolchains, or certain pro apps may still find a macOS or Windows machine more appropriate. In addition, if you're coming from last year’s M4 model, the upgrade may feel incremental unless you specifically need the new wireless stack or the external display improvements.

Who Should Buy the M5 iPad Pro?

The M5 iPad Pro is best for creatives, designers, and power users who want a high‑performing, portable workstation with excellent display options and future‑proof wireless connectivity. If you’re upgrading from several generations back (M3 or earlier), the benefits are clear: improved speed, charging, connectivity, and external monitor capabilities. If you own last year’s M4 iPad Pro, weigh whether Wi‑Fi 7, faster charging, and 120Hz external display support are worth the cost. For many professionals, they will be.

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