iPad Pro M5: India Launch, Price & Wi-Fi 7 Power

iPad Pro M5 keeps the same slim design and OLED screen but adds a faster M5 chip, more RAM on lower tiers, Wi-Fi 7 via the new N1 wireless chip, and a C1X modem on cellular models. Prices start at $999 in the U.S. and ₹99,990 in India. Preorders are open now, with deliveries beginning October 22. If you own an M1 or older iPad Pro, this is a big step up. M4 owners can wait unless you need Wi-Fi 7, faster AI, or the RAM bump.

What is iPad Pro M5

Apple’s new iPad Pro looks familiar because the major redesign already happened in 2024. The story this time is inside: the M5 chip, higher memory bandwidth, faster storage, and new radios for better wireless and cellular performance. It still comes in 11 and 13 inches, with the same Ultra Retina XDR OLED display and two colors, space black and silver.

The M5 chip

M5 is Apple’s next Apple Silicon for iPad. It has up to a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and each GPU core has a built-in “Neural Accelerator” that speeds up AI tasks. Apple’s own numbers claim up to 3.5x faster AI performance vs M4, plus noticeable gains in graphics and multi-threaded CPU work. Real-world benchmarks will vary, but early indicators suggest big wins for AI photo/video tools and pro apps.

N1 wireless and C1X cellular

The new N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. In practice, that means faster, more reliable Wi-Fi on supported routers and better smart-home interoperability. On cellular models, Apple’s C1X modem promises up to 50 percent faster cellular data with lower power use.

iPad Pro M5 price and launch date

• U.S.: 11-inch from $999, 13-inch from $1,299. Preorders now, in stores October 22.
• India: 11-inch from ₹99,990, 13-inch from ₹1,29,900. Same preorder and in-store date.

Specs and model differences

RAM and CPU/GPU by storage tier

This year, the base models are less constrained. The 256 GB and 512 GB versions now start with 12 GB of RAM, up from 8 GB last year, while 1 TB and 2 TB stay at 16 GB. Also note: some lower tiers have a 9-core CPU, while 1 TB and 2 TB step up to a full 10-core CPU. This matters if you run big models locally or multitask with heavy apps.

Display, size, thickness, nano-texture

Same excellent Ultra Retina XDR OLED, same sizes, and the ultra-thin bodies remain: ~5.3 mm on 11-inch and ~5.1 mm on 13-inch. A nano-texture glass option is available.

Ports, charging, accessories

USB-C with Thunderbolt remains. Fast charge is now called out: roughly 50 percent in about 30 minutes with a high-wattage adapter like Apple’s 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter. Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) both work here, and the Magic Keyboard accessory continues.

What’s actually faster

Apple lists improvements across AI, graphics, CPU, memory bandwidth, and storage. There’s a third-gen ray-tracing engine for better lighting and shadows in 3D apps and games. Memory bandwidth jumps to 150 GB/s+. Storage read/write can be up to 2x faster. In Apple’s examples, you get up to 1.5x faster ray-traced rendering vs M4 and sizable boosts in Final Cut for iPad, Draw Things, and DaVinci Resolve AI tasks.

External display at up to 120 Hz

A sleeper change: iPad Pro can now drive external displays up to 120 Hz with Adaptive Sync for lower latency. For editors and gamers using high-refresh monitors, this is a quality-of-life upgrade.

iPadOS 26 features that matter

Alongside the hardware, iPadOS 26 builds on Stage Manager and adds a new windowing system that makes side-by-side work smoother. Apple also calls out Apple Intelligence features that benefit from the faster Neural Engine, plus better external display handling and improved pro app workflows.

Pros and Cons

Comparison Table

Should you upgrade

From M1 or earlier: Yes, if you do any creative or AI-assisted work. You’ll feel the speed, the OLED panel, better wireless, and the RAM bump. Battery life and thermals should also hold up better under load.

From M2/M3: It depends. If you need Wi-Fi 7, more reliable cellular, faster AI, or the 120 Hz external display upgrade, it makes sense. If your current setup is fine, you can wait another cycle.

From M4: Only if the RAM bump and N1/C1X features solve real problems for you, or if you want the specific AI and graphics gains Apple lists. Many M4 owners can skip a year.

Alternatives to consider

iPad Air M3: Cheaper, still fast, lighter on the wallet for students or casual creators.
MacBook Pro M5: If you want full desktop software and sustained heavy workloads, a 14-inch M5 laptop at a similar price might fit better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does iPad Pro M5 support Wi-Fi 7 and Thread?
Yes, via the N1 wireless chip.

How much RAM do I get?
12 GB on 256/512 GB models, 16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB.

What’s the India price and date?
From ₹99,990, deliveries from Oct 22, 2025.

Is the display new?
Same Ultra Retina XDR OLED as last year, with nano-texture option.

Any charging change?
Fast charge highlighted, ~50 percent in ~30 minutes with a high-watt adapter.

What’s improved for external monitors?
Up to 120 Hz with Adaptive Sync.

What’s better for creators?
Faster AI, more RAM on base models, higher memory bandwidth, and faster storage mean smoother edits and generation tasks.

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