What the M5 iPad Pro leak actually shows
A Russian YouTuber, Wylsacom, posted a full unboxing and benchmarks of what appears to be Apple’s M5 iPad Pro. The video shows about 10–15% faster CPU performance and roughly 35% higher GPU (Metal) versus M4. The 256GB base model has 12GB RAM, up from 8GB on the equivalent M4. The design looks almost identical, including the thin chassis and single rear camera. Some packaging shows a 45W charger, though that detail is disputed across reports. Launch timing points to October 2025.
Short Answer: Leaked M5 iPad Pro benchmarks show 10–15% CPU and ~35% GPU gains over M4, plus 12GB RAM on the 256GB base model. Design stays the same; “iPad Pro” text is gone from the back. Packaging in some reports shows a 45W charger, but that’s not universally confirmed. An October 2025 announcement looks likely.
Where the leak came from and why it’s plausible
Source Credibility: Wylsacom’s track record
This isn’t a random forum post. Wylsacom is the same channel that accurately previewed the M4 MacBook Pro ahead of launch last year. Multiple outlets have since mirrored the new iPad video’s details and screenshots, which adds weight that this is a pre-release retail-style unit and not a dummy shell.
Apple’s Russia exit vs real-world supply chain leaks
Apple paused product sales in Russia in March 2022, but devices still pass through complex supply chains and review channels. That’s how unreleased Apple hardware has surfaced online before official announcements. The current clips show retail packaging, iPadOS 26.0, and a battery stamped August 2025, which lines up with near-term launch prep.
The hard numbers: CPU, GPU, RAM, cache
CPU and Metal scores vs M4
The video and write-ups cite Geekbench 6 results of around 4,133 (single-core) and 15,437 (multi-core) on M5, compared with ~3,718 / 13,324 on the M4 iPad Pro. For graphics, Metal goes from about 55,702 to 74,568 – roughly 34–38% up. That’s a meaningful lift for video effects, color work, and high-FPS games.
To sanity-check: current M4 iPad Pro averages in public benchmarks are in the same ballpark (mid-3K single, ~13K multi), so the deltas look reasonable rather than cherry-picked.
L2 cache, core counts, and what that means in apps
The 9-core CPU remains three performance and six efficiency cores but reports say L2 cache increases from 4MB to 6MB. That can help with bursts in tasks like timeline scrubbing, large photo stacks, and code compilation where CPU keeps re-hitting nearby data. Expect slightly snappier “feel” even when raw percentages look modest.
RAM bump to 12GB on 256GB: why it matters
The 256GB M4 shipped with 8GB RAM; the leaked 256GB M5 shows 12GB. That margin makes a difference with heavy Safari tab sets, DaVinci Resolve cuts, or multi-app Stage Manager sessions. For creators who kept hitting reloads or app refreshes on M4 base configs, this is the quiet upgrade that fixes it. Apple’s own M4 spec pages confirm the earlier 8GB/16GB split.
Design and hardware: mostly the same, a few tells
Thin chassis, single rear camera, Smart Connector
Externally, it’s near-indistinguishable from the M4: ultra-thin body, single rear camera, Smart Connector, and the familiar speaker layout. Accessories should remain compatible, which matters if you already own a Magic Keyboard or stands. Apple’s M4 spec page lists a 5.1 mm thickness the leak seems to keep that silhouette.
Missing “iPad Pro” text; dual selfie camera rumor status
Several reports note the back panel drops the “iPad Pro” label, leaving only the Apple logo a small but visible change. Meanwhile, the dual front camera rumor is unconfirmed in the video; some angles show an extra sensor cutout, but no one demonstrates two active selfie cameras yet. Treat it as a maybe until Apple confirms.
Charger confusion: 45W in box or not? What the evidence says
This is the one messy part.
- Some coverage says the unit includes a 45W charger with a color-matched cable.
- Others argue there’s no charger in some packs, or that it remains 20W.
For context, Apple’s current M4 iPad Pro box lists a 20W USB-C adapter. If Apple bumps to 45W, great but plan purchases assuming 20W, and treat 45W as a bonus until official specs drop.
Real-world implications: creators, gamers, students
Video editors & 3D pros
The ~35% GPU jump matters most for effects previews, stabilization, and timeline scrubs where Metal acceleration hits. If your M4 felt “almost there,” M5 may cross that smoothness line especially paired with the 12GB RAM base. That can cut down on background app kills while exporting.
Mobile gamers & streamers
Higher Metal scores should translate to more stable high-FPS modes in top titles and headroom for screen recording while playing. If you stream with a capture card, the CPU uptick helps encoding and chat overlays without micro-stutters.
Note-takers, coders on SSH, and researchers
The RAM bump targets your pain points: fewer tab reloads, less app relaunching, and smoother split-screen sessions with a PDF, a Jupyter server in Safari, and a video lecture running together. Small cache and CPU gains add up in day-to-day use.
iPad Pro M5 vs M4: Quick Comparison
| Area | M4 iPad Pro (2024) | Leaked M5 iPad Pro (2025) | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | ~3,7K single / ~13,3K multi (GB6) | ~4,1K single / ~15,4K multi | 10–15% faster in CPU bursts, better multitasking. |
| GPU (Metal) | ~55,7K | ~74,6K | ~34–38% boost; smoother effects and gaming. |
| RAM (256GB model) | 8GB | 12GB | Fewer app reloads; better pro workflows. |
| L2 cache | 4MB | 6MB (reported) | Snappier response in CPU-cache-sensitive tasks. |
| Design | Ultra-thin, single rear camera | Same look; “iPad Pro” label absent | Accessories should fit; subtle branding change. |
| In-box charger | 20W USB-C | Disputed: 20W vs 45W vs none | Assume 20W until Apple confirms. |
Should you upgrade? A quick decision guide
Coming from M1/M2/M3: If you edit video, manage big Lightroom catalogs, or game a lot, the M5 looks like a solid jump especially with 12GB RAM standard on 256GB. Waiting a couple of weeks could also net M4 discounts if Apple launches M5 in October.
Coming from M4: Be selective. If your pain points are GPU-bound (effects, 3D, >90 FPS games) or RAM-bound (constant reloads on 8GB), M5 may be worth it. Otherwise, consider grabbing an M4 on sale and spending the difference on keyboard, Pencil, storage, or external SSD.
First-time iPad Pro buyers: Waiting for the official announcement is smart. You’ll either get M5 at list price or M4 at better value during launch-week promos.
Price and launch timing: what looks likely
Most outlets peg October 2025 as the announcement window either a short fall event or press releases. Given battery stamps of August 2025 and fresh regulatory noise in Apple’s ecosystem, timing lines up. Treat rumored pricing as placeholders until Apple says more.
Limitations & open questions
- Dual front cameras aren’t proven in use yet. The rumor persists; the video doesn’t clearly confirm it.
- Charger situation varies in coverage; expect regional packaging differences or pre-release quirks.
- Benchmarks are from one or two units; final scores can drift with software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the M5 chip new architecture or a speed bump?
Early results suggest moderate CPU gains but a big Metal uplift. Cache changes may also help responsiveness. Wait for Apple’s die details.
Does M5 support the same apps and accessories as M4?
Yes. It’s still iPadOS, same accessory ecosystem, and the design seems unchanged externally.
Is there a dual selfie camera for portrait and landscape?
Rumored by multiple reports but not demonstrated in the leak. Treat it as unconfirmed.
Will M4 iPad Pro get cheaper after M5 launches?
Usually, yes retailers clear inventory around new releases. No prices are official yet.
What about battery life?
No trustworthy battery tests yet. Expect similar claims to M4 until labs test. Apple’s current 13-inch M4 claims 10 hours web/video.
Is Apple even selling in Russia and how did this leak happen?
Apple paused sales in 2022, but supply chains and regional networks can still surface pre-release units.
Featured Answer Boxes
How much faster is the M5 iPad Pro than M4?
Early Geekbench 6 results show about 10–15% CPU and ~35% GPU (Metal) gains versus M4. That means snappier exports, smoother effects previews, and more stable high-FPS gaming especially paired with 12GB RAM on the 256GB model.
Does the 256GB M5 iPad Pro really have 12GB RAM?
Yes, the leaked unit displays 12GB RAM at 256GB storage. M4’s 256/512GB configs had 8GB; only 1–2TB had 16GB. This change should reduce app reloads and multitasking hiccups.
Will my Magic Keyboard fit the M5 iPad Pro?
All signs point to yes. The leaked device keeps the same thin chassis, single rear camera, and Smart Connector placement, implying accessory compatibility with M4-era gear.
Is there a charger in the M5 iPad Pro box?
Unclear. Some reports show a 45W brick; others say no charger, and some still cite 20W. Assume 20W until Apple posts official specs.
When will Apple announce the M5 iPad Pro?
Most signs point to an October 2025 reveal, either at a short event or via press releases, based on fresh regulatory filings and production timing.
Source: Apple Support
