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Apple’s M5 iPad Pro Debuts With Faster Silicon as Retailers Cut Record-Low Deals on Older iPads

Early reviews point to meaningful GPU and AI gains, a shift that strengthens the value case for record‑low deals on older models.

Overview

  • The new iPad Pro uses Apple’s M5 chip and in tests shows roughly 11% higher CPU and 34% higher GPU performance over the M4, paired with iPadOS 26’s freer multitasking, menu bar, and a much‑improved Files app.
  • Apple’s in‑house C1X (cellular) and N1 (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/Threads) radios replace third‑party parts, and a new 40W charger that briefly boosts to 60W hit 50% in about 30 minutes in reviewer tests.
  • RAM tiers increase to 12GB on 256GB/512GB models and 16GB on 1TB/2TB versions, with faster storage performance cited to better support AI and pro workflows.
  • Amazon has dropped the 13‑inch M3 iPad Air with 512GB and cellular in Starlight to about $970, described as an all‑time low and limited to that color configuration.
  • High‑end M4 iPad Pro SKUs are also seeing steep cuts, including the 2TB 11‑inch model with nano‑texture and cellular at $1,854.76 (about $444 off), with availability and pricing varying by storage and finish.