iPad Pro M5 Review: Closer Than Ever to the Future Mac

The iPad Pro M5 is no longer just a tablet — it’s Apple’s vision of the future

Apple’s new iPad Pro M5 feels less like a traditional tablet and more like a glimpse into the next generation of Macs. With the blazing-fast M5 chip, a thinner chassis, and a stunning OLED display, this device pushes the iPad lineup into uncharted territory — blurring the line between iPad and MacBook more than ever before.

Performance that rivals the MacBook Air

The M5 chip delivers massive performance gains, handling tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking with ease. Benchmarks show it’s nearly on par with the M5 MacBook Air, proving that the iPad Pro is no longer playing catch-up.

Apps launch instantly, complex workflows feel smooth, and battery life remains excellent — Apple claims up to 12 hours of real-world use, and in testing, it nearly delivers that.

OLED Ultra Retina XDR: The display Apple fans dreamed of

Apple has finally brought OLED technology to the iPad Pro — and it’s breathtaking. Blacks are deeper, colors are more vibrant, and brightness levels reach up to 1,600 nits for HDR content. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or drawing with the Apple Pencil Pro, the experience feels premium and immersive.

Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard: A creative powerhouse

The new Apple Pencil Pro adds haptic feedback, a sensor for pinch gestures, and improved precision — making it ideal for designers, artists, and students. The redesigned Magic Keyboard now features a larger trackpad and aluminum palm rest, transforming the iPad into a near-perfect laptop replacement.

iPadOS is still holding it back — slightly

Despite its hardware brilliance, iPadOS remains the limiting factor. While features like Stage Manager and improved multitasking help, it’s still not macOS. Pro users wanting full desktop apps like Final Cut Pro or Xcode may find the experience limited — though Apple is inching closer with every update.

The iPad Pro M5 is Apple’s boldest step yet

The iPad Pro M5 is an engineering marvel — ultra-thin, incredibly powerful, and visually stunning. For most users, it’s overkill. But for professionals, creators, and those who live in Apple’s ecosystem, it’s the most futuristic iPad ever made.

It’s not quite a Mac yet — but it’s closer than ever.