iPad Pro M5 Review (UK): The Fastest iPad, at a Price
Quick verdict
The iPad Pro M5 pairs the best display on any iPad with Apple's M5 chip in a 5.1 to 5.3mm body. It's a modest upgrade over the M4 and has become more expensive in the UK, but if you want the most capable tablet Apple makes, this is it.
Check current price on Amazon UKApple launched the M5 iPad Pro in October 2025, and it's still the current iPad Pro in October 2026. It keeps the ultra-thin design and tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display of the 2024 M4 model. The changes are the faster M5 chip, more RAM on base models, Apple's own N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, the C1X modem in cellular models, and faster charging.
Who is it for?
The iPad Pro M5 is for creatives and professionals who edit photos and video, draw with the Apple Pencil Pro or want a tablet that can double as a laptop with the Magic Keyboard. It also suits anyone who simply wants the best screen on any iPad. If you mainly stream, browse and take notes, the iPad Air costs much less. If you already own an M4 iPad Pro, there's little reason to upgrade.
Key specs
- Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR (tandem OLED), ProMotion 10 to 120Hz, 1,000 nits full-screen and 1,600 nits peak HDR, 2,000,000:1 contrast
- Chip: Apple M5 with 10-core GPU and Neural Accelerators. 9-core CPU and 12GB RAM on 256GB/512GB models, 10-core CPU and 16GB RAM on 1TB/2TB models
- Design: 5.3mm thick and 444g (11-inch Wi-Fi), 5.1mm and 579g (13-inch Wi-Fi), in Silver or Space Black
- Battery: 31.29Wh (11-inch) or 38.99Wh (13-inch), rated up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi. Fast charge to 50% in about 30 minutes with a suitable high-wattage adapter
- Wireless: Apple N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Cellular models use the C1X modem with 5G and eSIM only
- Cameras: 12MP Wide rear camera with LiDAR scanner and adaptive True Tone flash, landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera
- Port: Thunderbolt / USB 4
- Options: nano-texture glass on 1TB and 2TB models. Works with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (all sold separately)
Performance and battery
In Tom's Guide's testing, a 1TB M5 iPad Pro scored about 12% higher in Geekbench 6 single-core tests and about 14% higher in multi-core tests than the M4 model. That's a typical gain from one year to the next. The review unit also lasted 13 hours 18 minutes in Tom's Guide's Wi-Fi web-browsing test, almost two hours longer than the M4. Apple claims the M5's GPU is up to 1.6x faster than the M4's in demanding tasks, which mostly matters for AI tools, 3D work and games.
Display and design
The tandem OLED screen hasn't changed, and that's no bad thing. Tom's Guide measured almost the same brightness and colour accuracy as on the M4 and called the panel a marvel. The 13-inch model is just 5.1mm thick, and both sizes are thinner and lighter than the iPad Air.
The catch
It's expensive, and it got more expensive in 2026. Apple raised UK iPad Pro prices by £200 on 25 June 2026, so the 11-inch now starts at £1,199. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro cost extra, and nano-texture glass is only offered on the pricey 1TB and 2TB models. Base 256GB and 512GB models also get the 9-core CPU rather than the full 10-core chip.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Superb tandem OLED display
- Very thin and light
- Faster M5 chip and 12GB RAM as standard
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- Strong battery life in independent testing
Cons
- UK prices rose by £200 in June 2026
- Small upgrade over the M4
- Accessories are expensive extras
- Nano-texture glass only on 1TB and 2TB models
- No power adapter listed in the box
UK price
Apple UK lists the 11-inch iPad Pro (M5) from £1,199 (256GB, Wi-Fi) and the 13-inch from £1,499. The 11-inch 256GB Wi-Fi model was about £1,165 on Amazon UK when we checked on 4 October 2026. Prices change often, so check the current price on Amazon UK before you buy.
Verdict
The iPad Pro M5 is the most powerful iPad you can buy, with a class-leading OLED screen in a very thin body. For anyone on an older iPad Pro, it's a big step forward. For M4 owners, it's an easy upgrade to skip. The bigger question in 2026 is the price, so look for a discount on Amazon UK and budget for accessories.
FAQs
How much is the iPad Pro M5 in the UK?
Apple UK lists the 11-inch iPad Pro (M5) from £1,199 for 256GB Wi-Fi and the 13-inch from £1,499. Apple raised UK iPad prices on 25 June 2026. Before that, the M5 models started at £999 and £1,299.
Is the iPad Pro M5 worth it over the M4?
Not usually if you already own an M4 iPad Pro. Both have the same design and tandem OLED display. Tom's Guide measured roughly 12 to 14% faster CPU scores and longer battery life on the M5, and recommends it most for owners of an M2 iPad Pro or older.
How much RAM does the iPad Pro M5 have?
Models with 256GB or 512GB of storage have 12GB of RAM and a 9-core CPU. Models with 1TB or 2TB have 16GB of RAM and a 10-core CPU.
Does the iPad Pro M5 come with a charger in the UK?
Apple UK's in-the-box list includes only the iPad Pro, plus a polishing cloth with nano-texture models. It doesn't list a power adapter, so budget for one if you don't already have a suitable USB-C charger.
How we researched this review: we compiled this guide from Apple's official UK specifications and pricing (apple.com/uk), Which?'s report on Apple's June 2026 UK price rises, and Tom's Guide's hands-on review. We have not tested this product ourselves. The iPad Pro M5 replaces the iPad Pro M4 we previously covered.