### Apple’s M5 iPad Pro: A Month of Impressions
Apple’s M5 iPad Pro was released last month, and I transitioned from an M4 iPad Pro. My initial impressions of the updated model were favorable, but here’s how my 13-inch M5 iPad Pro has performed after a complete month of usage.
#### M5 iPad Pro: The Minor Details Count
Examining a side-by-side comparison of the M5 iPad Pro versus the M4 model, the improvements might appear somewhat minor. There’s no significant external redesign, and not many flashy enhancements apart from the M5 chip. However, after a month with my 13-inch model, I’ve discovered that all the smaller tweaks indeed accumulate.
Here’s a comprehensive list of what’s genuinely new:
1. M5 chip
2. Enhanced RAM, and increased capacity
3. C1X 5G modem
4. N1 wireless chip
5. Rapid charging
6. Cellular battery improvements
7. 120Hz support for external displays
Nothing in this list echoes a “must have,” particularly if you already possess an M4 model. But as someone who relies on the M5 iPad Pro for work day in and day out, I’ve been quite pleasantly surprised by the upgraded model.
#### New M5 and C1X Chips Deliver Performance and Efficiency Boosts
Apple incorporated its new C1X modem into the iPad Pro, which has provided stellar performance thus far. I usually work on cellular for hours each day, and while I haven’t conducted formal assessments, my cellular connectivity has been better than ever. While I had no issues with the M4 model, the M5 connection has proven even more dependable for me.
I’ve also significantly noticed improvements in battery life due to C1X’s enhanced efficiency. While part of the enhancement can be attributed to having a new battery, I am convinced that it does not explain all the gains I’m experiencing. The M5 iPad Pro’s battery life has been a considerable enhancement for my particular usage.
Although Apple doesn’t officially promote increased battery life on the M5 iPad Pro’s specifications page, its announcement press release states that C1X provides active cellular users “up to 30 percent less power consumption than the iPad Pro with M4.”
In addition to C1X, the new M5 chip and RAM enhancements have certainly made iPadOS 26 feel more responsive and fluid than before. The stutters and performance lags I occasionally faced on my M4 have vanished. This iPad feels better optimized for Apple’s iPadOS updates compared to last year’s model.
Lastly, I’d like to highlight fast charging as another appreciated enhancement. Even though battery life has been significantly less of a concern than on my M4 model, the M5 iPad Pro’s fast charging capability has been advantageous during many brief moments when I was home before heading back out to work remotely.
#### Future Ready, But Not Like Previous iPad Pro Models
A recurring theme in reviews of earlier iPad Pro models was that the hardware outpaced the software, rendering it “future proof.” This description applies to the M5 iPad Pro as well, though in a more positive and distinct manner. iPadOS 26 finally aligns with the power of the iPad Pro’s hardware, and forthcoming updates will elevate things even further.
For the first time, the iPad Pro hardware and software are in perfect harmony. The new M5 chip, RAM enhancements, and cutting-edge C1X and N1 chips also position the M5 iPad Pro for a promising future. Regardless of what new features and upgrades Apple plans for iPadOS, this iPad is prepared for them. It possesses computing capacity that prior models arguably lack with the latest OS.
If you’re transitioning from an older iPad, the M5 iPad Pro is an excellent upgrade. If you already have the M4, you might want to skip the M5 to maximize value from your current model. However, for my specific requirements, the M5 iPad Pro has proven to be a surprisingly effective upgrade.
Have you been using the M5 iPad Pro? What’s your assessment of the product? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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