iPad Pro M5 vs. iPad Pro M4: The Ultimate Upgrade Guide
Just when you thought the M4 iPad Pro was the undisputed king of tablets, the Apple rumour mill has started churning again. Whispers of an M5-powered iPad Pro are growing louder, sparking the age-old question for tech enthusiasts: Is it time to upgrade? Is the latest and greatest model truly worth your investment?
Let’s break down the iPad Pro M5 vs. iPad Pro M4 debate to see if it pays to make the leap.
Performance Showdown: M4 Power vs. M5 Potential
Let’s be clear: the M4 iPad Pro is a performance monster. For the vast majority of users, its power is already beyond sufficient. It effortlessly handles 4K video editing in LumaFusion, manages complex multi-layer projects in Procreate, and multitasks better than many high-end laptops. For students, it’s a phenomenal note-taking device; for casual users, the M4 chip is barely breaking a sweat streaming content on its stunning Tandem OLED display.
So, what could an M5 chip bring to the table? The leap from M2 to M4 was significant, driven by a new architecture and a major boost to the Neural Engine. The M5 is expected to follow this trend, focusing less on raw CPU gains and more on Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
Imagine on-device AI features that are faster, more intuitive, and more private. We’re talking about:
* Instantaneous real-time language translation.
* Smarter Siri capabilities that manage complex workflows.
* Next-generation AI-powered creative tools for artists and designers.
Early reports suggest a potential 15-20% boost in AI performance. While that might seem incremental, for a professional whose workflow relies on AI-assisted tasks, those saved seconds on every action add up, making the upgrade a justifiable business expense.
More Than a Chip: Display, Connectivity, and Other M5 Upgrades
An iPad is more than just its processor. While the M4’s Tandem OLED screen is already the best display on any tablet, the M5 model could feature even higher peak brightness for HDR content and potentially improved power efficiency, giving you more battery life for long work sessions.
Another crucial area is connectivity. The iPad Pro M5 will almost certainly come with Wi-Fi 7 support. As high-speed fibre becomes more common, Wi-Fi 7 will ensure you’re getting every last megabit of speed, making downloads and cloud syncing lightning-fast. For those who opt for the cellular model, a new, more efficient 5G modem could mean better battery life and more stable connections on the go.
The Verdict: Who Should Upgrade to the iPad Pro M5?
So, in the iPad Pro M5 vs. iPad Pro M4 battle, who comes out on top? The answer depends entirely on you.
-
The Creative Pro & Power User: If you’re a 3D artist, professional video editor, or AI developer who pushes your device to its absolute limits daily, the M5 is for you. The performance gains, especially in the Neural Engine, will directly translate into time saved and a smoother workflow. This is a tool, and the investment will pay off.
-
The Recent M4 Buyer: Hold on. Your iPad Pro is still a technological marvel that will be incredibly capable for years to come. The M5 will be an incremental upgrade, not a revolutionary one. Enjoy the fantastic device you already own and save your money.
-
The M1/M2 or Older iPad Owner: This is where the upgrade makes the most sense. The jump from an older chip to the M5 will feel like night and day. You’ll get a vastly superior display, a quantum leap in performance, and access to the latest accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro. For you, the M5 is the ultimate future-proof option.
For everyone else—students, content consumers, and casual users—the M4 iPad Pro remains the smarter buy, especially if it sees a price drop after the M5’s launch. The iPad Pro M5 isn’t about changing the game; it’s about perfecting it for the few who play at the highest level.
