Apple M5 iPad Pro Hands-On Review: Here’s Why It Feels Different

• The M5 iPad Pro feels noticeably faster than the M1, anticipating user actions and making multitasking smoother.
• Real-world tests show significant AI and 3D performance improvements, with faster rendering and smoother 4K video export.
• New N1 and C1X chips improve Wi-Fi 7 and cellular connectivity, making the iPad more reliable in crowded networks.

When I first picked up the M5 iPad Pro, the difference was immediately clear. 

Apps that lagged even on the M1 now feel instant, and the device’s wireless connectivity is noticeably smoother. 

Apple hasn’t just upgraded the processor. they’ve quietly reshaped how this iPad handles everyday multitasking.

I noticed something subtle: while the M1 iPad Pro was already fast, the M5 seems to anticipate what you want to do next. 

Switching between multiple creative apps feels almost predictive, a tiny but telling improvement in user experience that you won’t see in charts alone.
The M5 Chip: Beyond Raw Power

Apple claims the M5 delivers up to 5.6 times faster AI performance than the M1. In my tests with 3D rendering and video editing apps, I saw real-world boosts, Octane X render previews loaded in a fraction of the time, and exporting 4K footage in Final Cut Pro for iPad was smoother than I expected.

But what impressed me most wasn’t just the numbers. The iPad feels “aware” of how much it’s being pushed, adjusting performance without noticeable heat or battery drain.

N1 and C1X: Wireless That Finally Keeps Up

Apple’s new N1 and C1X chips change the connectivity game. Wi-Fi 7 feels like a tiny but meaningful speed bump for apps that stream or sync large files, while the C1X modem improved cellular response on my test network. 

Unlike past iPads, this one seems less prone to sudden slowdowns in crowded networks, a subtle but practical upgrade for daily use.

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Creative Workflows Made Faster

I tried AI-powered image generation in Draw Things and noticed the workflow felt more fluid than on my old iPad. 

The M5’s on-device AI accelerates complex tasks like upscaling videos or real-time rendering, and it’s not just a benchmark metric. it’s something you genuinely feel when drawing or editing.

Artists and designers will notice this, but casual users also benefit from smoother multitasking and less waiting.

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iPadOS 26: Small Changes That Matter

iPadOS 26 brings a redesigned multitasking system that finally feels intuitive. 

I could open more windows at once, resize them, and move them around without accidentally triggering the wrong app. 

Even simple actions like translating text in FaceTime or Messages felt more responsive. 

These aren’t headline features, but together they make the iPad feel smarter in daily use.

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Availability and Real-World Performance

In India, the iPad starts at ₹99,990 for the 11-inch and ₹1,29,900 for the 13-inch. Benchmark tests show single-threaded scores of 4,133 on Geekbench, rivaling desktop chips like the M4 Max in the Mac Studio. 

But what I noticed firsthand was how consistently fast the device remained even under sustained loads, a practical measure often missing from press coverage.

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Final Thoughts

The M5 iPad Pro isn’t just about more power, it’s about a subtle shift in usability. 

Tasks feel smoother, apps respond faster, and connectivity finally keeps up with modern workflows. For creatives and everyday users alike, the difference is tangible, not just a spec sheet.

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Author info:

Michael B. Norris is a tech journalist and longtime Apple observer. 

He writes about consumer tech and emerging gadgets with a focus on real-world usability, testing devices as a professional and a daily user. Reporting for TrendingAlone, he combines hands-on experience with clear analysis for readers who want more than marketing copy.

About Site

TrendingAlone is an independent tech news site providing verified reporting, hands-on reviews, and real-world observations. 

Our team tests devices in daily scenarios and cites reputable sources when reporting performance metrics or features. Readers can contact us for questions or clarifications.



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You can also watch a video review about M5 ipad pro on youtube