Apple has unveiled its most powerful tablet yet, the new iPad Pro with the M5 chip, marking a major leap in performance and AI capability.

The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models promise up to 3.5 times faster AI performance than the M4 version.

The M5 chip introduces a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every core, designed to supercharge on-device AI workloads such as image generation and video masking.

Apple says users can expect up to 5.6x faster AI performance than the first-generation M1 iPad Pro.

The new chip also boosts graphics and video performance, delivering up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering and 6x faster video transcoding compared with the M1 model.

Connectivity also gets a serious upgrade.

The M5 iPad Pro debuts Apple’s C1X modem for 5G models, offering 50% faster cellular speeds, while the new N1 wireless chip adds support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, improving hotspot and AirDrop reliability.

The new iPad Pro remains impressively thin at just 5.3mm for the 11-inch and 5.1mm for the 13-inch model.

It also features Apple’s Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology, capable of 1,000 nits sustained brightness and a 1,600-nit HDR peak. Users can also opt for a nano-texture glass option to reduce glare.

Running iPadOS 26, the new iPad Pro gains a redesigned interface with the controversial new Liquid Glass aesthetic, a new multitasking windowing system, and deeper integration with Apple’s AI-powered “Apple Intelligence” features.

Accessories include the Apple Pencil Pro (A$219) featuring haptic feedback, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard with an aluminium palm rest (from A$499).

Pricing in Australia starts at A$1,699 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and A$2,199 for the 13-inch version, with cellular options available for an additional A$350. Pre-orders are open now, with retail availability beginning October 22.

Apple says the new iPad Pro is part of its Apple 2030 plan, using 100% recycled aluminium and rare earth elements.