Apple’s M5-Powered iPad Pro Expected by Late 2025: Here’s What We Know
Apple is expected to unveil an iPad Pro featuring an M5 processor by the end of 2025. Here's what we know so far.
A Fresh Wind Blows at Apple
All eyes are on Apple as the Cupertino-based company gears up to launch new Macs powered by the M4 chip. A series of announcements expected this week likely includes new MacBook Pros, iMacs, and a redesigned Mac Mini.
Apple’s Future Vision
Bloomberg’s Apple oracle, Mark Gurman, kicked off the week with a report speculating on the M4’s successor, the M5. He anticipates its debut in 2025, initially in an iPad Pro, before rolling out to other Apple products.
Unlike the M4-powered iPad Pro released last May, “the M5 iPad Pro is not expected until late 2025”. Preliminary rumors hint at a reveal in October, alongside Apple’s typical fall launches. This timeline is due to the M5 chip itself not being scheduled until late next year, with Gurman suggesting a possible unveiling only by early 2026.
The Mystery of the M5
Details on the M5’s power or efficiency remain scant. Earlier this year, it was speculated that the M5 might be a 2nm chip, offering more power and transistors than the current 3nm M4.
Apple appears to have fast-tracked the M4’s release just six months after the M3’s launch. It’s unlikely they will repeat this quick succession with the M5, as traditionally, an 18-month interval separated chip updates. It seems Apple may return to a similar schedule.
Apple’s Strategy
It’s interesting that Apple continues to prioritize launching new chips in iPads over laptops or desktops, suggesting a focus on efficiency over performance, considering a tablet’s stringent battery management compared to the larger batteries of laptops or the constant power supply in desktops.
Prior rumors suggest at least two M5-equipped iPad Pros next year, possibly in both Wi-Fi and cellular versions. Gurman also mentioned the launch of a “new entry-level iPad” next year.