When Apple got rid of the split keyboard, that's what killed the 13" for me. I liked having it on the smaller iPP models too, but at least with those I can hold it vertically and still be able to type with my thumbs without the split keyboard, but not so with the 13".
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Pro If you have 1TB M4 iPad Pro, is M5 a skip?
- Thread starter sidgriffey
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Unless your favorite game is running sub-optimally, I don’t see any other reason to upgrade. The better AI performance is a nother plus, but is anybody… doing AI applications on their ipad?
Correcting mistakes ( especially storage increase) is something that is rarely a reason for people with iPads than iPhones and Macs. Generally people will have more storage on their iPhones and especially Macs than iPads.
A best case scenario is 64GB to an 128GB iPad because 128GB is the sweet spot for about most to maybe over half of people ( more people bitched about 64GB iPhones/iPads on sale than any other storage capacity since and now that the 17 lineup ( I doubt the 17e will drop 128GB) and the M5 Pros lowest storage is 256GB People will whinge far less and complain about 128GB in the long term.
In most cases I agree especially when it’s cheaper to go to Apple with an iPhone and get a battery replacement than buy a new iPhone
But there are plenty of iPhones/iPads and even iPod Touch’s that are example that upgrading to the new model was completely worth it
iPhone 6>6S and even the OG SE Counts in this as well because OG SE was a massive upgrade from the 6/6+.
XS>11 because the 11 for the most part is better than the XS and that the XS is the most boring upgrade we have ever had
11 Pro>12. This is the best example because redesign, 5G Modems etc
14 Pro>15 Pro. The most solid upgrade in every way. Heck even the 16 and 16e count because they are better and long lasting
iPads
iPad 2 from the OG
iPad 4 from 3
iPad Air from 4 (because of 64bit)
iPad Mini 4 ( because the 3 is garbage)
iPad Mini 2 ( because of Retina display and A7)
Air 2 (obviously)
The 2018 Pro’s
M4 iPad ( the fact that it skipped the M3, was revealed with a SoC before the A18 and its slim redesign) make this a perfect choice)
only the 2G and 5G iPod Touch’s IMO Count for they’re side IMO.
Maybe the 64GB M1 Air is only the reason to upgrade but other than that M1 still can handle iPadOS With ease
Last edited:
I think too many people have oversimplified what are big differences between the M4 & M5. Agreed, it a dollar decision for many - maybe most, and certainly it a “what do I need” decision. Logical. I offer the following for your consideration when making your decision.
The base model of the M5 iPad Pro (256GB storage) features a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores). In contrast, the base model of the M4 iPad Pro (256GB storage) has a 9-core CPU (3 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores). Therefore, yes, the base M5 iPad Pro processor has more cores—specifically, one additional performance core—than the base M4 iPad Pro.
• CPU Performance: The M5 delivers up to 20% faster multi-core CPU performance in Geekbench 6 tests compared to the M4. Single-core scores also improve (e.g., from ~3,748 on M4 to ~4,133 on M5). Clock speeds are similar (~4.4 GHz for performance cores on both), but architectural improvements and the extra performance core in the M5 provide the edge. Apple describes the M5’s CPU cores as the “world’s fastest.”
My 2017 IPP has a single-core score of just 966 vs 4133 on M5, and multi-core score of 2395 vs much higher on M5
• M5 GPU Performance: Up to 40% faster than M4 in Geekbench Compute tests, thanks to a redesigned 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core and third-generation ray tracing. This results in up to 1.5x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing (1 TB memory models only…) and smoother graphics for gaming or creative apps.
2017 IPP GPU speed: 8994
2024 M4 GPU speed: 56,000
2025 M5 GPU speed: 76,137 (+36% faster than M4)
These are apples to apples comparisons (no pun intended)
• AI/ML Performance: The biggest leap is in AI tasks, with up to 3.5x faster performance via the enhanced 16-core Neural Engine and GPU accelerators. This benefits on-device features like image generation in apps (e.g., Draw Things) or video masking in DaVinci Resolve.
• Other Factors: The base M5 model includes 12GB unified RAM (up 50% from 8GB on M4 base) and ~150 GB/s memory bandwidth (25-30% more than M4’s 120 GB/s), enabling better multitasking and sustained workloads. Storage read/write speeds are also ~2x faster.
These gains come from the M5’s third-generation 3nm process refinements, without major power draw increases.
Further, the M5 IPP has WiFi 7 (802.11be), bluetooth 6, and the Apple C1X cellular modem(supporting 5G sub-6 GHz with 4x4 MIMO (multiple input/multiple output) and Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO in Wi-Fi + Cellular models). These specs apply to both the 11-inch and 13-inch models. So, the M4 is clearly NOT the same as the new M5 model.
The base model of the M5 iPad Pro (256GB storage) features a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores). In contrast, the base model of the M4 iPad Pro (256GB storage) has a 9-core CPU (3 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores). Therefore, yes, the base M5 iPad Pro processor has more cores—specifically, one additional performance core—than the base M4 iPad Pro.
• CPU Performance: The M5 delivers up to 20% faster multi-core CPU performance in Geekbench 6 tests compared to the M4. Single-core scores also improve (e.g., from ~3,748 on M4 to ~4,133 on M5). Clock speeds are similar (~4.4 GHz for performance cores on both), but architectural improvements and the extra performance core in the M5 provide the edge. Apple describes the M5’s CPU cores as the “world’s fastest.”
My 2017 IPP has a single-core score of just 966 vs 4133 on M5, and multi-core score of 2395 vs much higher on M5
• M5 GPU Performance: Up to 40% faster than M4 in Geekbench Compute tests, thanks to a redesigned 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core and third-generation ray tracing. This results in up to 1.5x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing (1 TB memory models only…) and smoother graphics for gaming or creative apps.
2017 IPP GPU speed: 8994
2024 M4 GPU speed: 56,000
2025 M5 GPU speed: 76,137 (+36% faster than M4)
These are apples to apples comparisons (no pun intended)
• AI/ML Performance: The biggest leap is in AI tasks, with up to 3.5x faster performance via the enhanced 16-core Neural Engine and GPU accelerators. This benefits on-device features like image generation in apps (e.g., Draw Things) or video masking in DaVinci Resolve.
• Other Factors: The base M5 model includes 12GB unified RAM (up 50% from 8GB on M4 base) and ~150 GB/s memory bandwidth (25-30% more than M4’s 120 GB/s), enabling better multitasking and sustained workloads. Storage read/write speeds are also ~2x faster.
These gains come from the M5’s third-generation 3nm process refinements, without major power draw increases.
Further, the M5 IPP has WiFi 7 (802.11be), bluetooth 6, and the Apple C1X cellular modem(supporting 5G sub-6 GHz with 4x4 MIMO (multiple input/multiple output) and Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO in Wi-Fi + Cellular models). These specs apply to both the 11-inch and 13-inch models. So, the M4 is clearly NOT the same as the new M5 model.
The reality is that all those numbers will have negligible impact with what most of us use iPads for. From an M1 on or earlier….sure is significant upgrade (the screen being the most important). But for M4, most of us will get exactly the same experience. Could that gap become larger in a couple of years? Sure, but then why don’t just upgrade whenever that happens, and get a much more compelling set of upgrades, instead of trying to “future proof”.
I don't think that's right?
I actually used the release as an opportunity to hunt for clearance M4s and picked up a new M4 11 inch 1TB Cellular on clearance for £1,200, since the equivalent priced M5 would be 512GB and WiFi only and the extra storage, RAM and 5G option were worth more to me than the CPU/GPU upgrade (nice as they are).
I took the opportunity to order an M4 1TB with nano for a huge discount - basically the price of a base M5. Should be a nice upgrade for my 2018 iPad Pro which has worked flawlessly for 7 years - by far the best ipad I’ve ever owned (I was there back in April 2010 so I’ve owned a lot of iPads!)
The storage is way overkill for my needs but I really wanted one with the nano display but am not willing to pay full price. Between the power of the M4 and the 16GB RAM I expect this one to have a nice lifespan as well - and I’ve cut out a big bit of the depreciation from the start. If I were buying the base model I would have gone with the M5. The discounts for the M4 are not big enough IMO.
The storage is way overkill for my needs but I really wanted one with the nano display but am not willing to pay full price. Between the power of the M4 and the 16GB RAM I expect this one to have a nice lifespan as well - and I’ve cut out a big bit of the depreciation from the start. If I were buying the base model I would have gone with the M5. The discounts for the M4 are not big enough IMO.
That’s amazing where did you find it for such a killer deal if you don’t mind me asking?
This is wrong, the base M5 has the same 9 cores as the M4.
No, it's a 15% increase in multicore, again, you may be confusing with the upgraded 10 core version in the 1TB model, which has a 5% faster multicore. I have done multiple tests with my base M4 and base M5 and they are all consistent with roughly 15%.
The GPU perforamnce is what Apple gave priority to this year. M1 to M2 was a modest CPU performance increase but a big GPU performance increase, while M4 was a modest GPU increase (vs both M2 and M3), but a big CPU increase. M5 is a modest CPU increase and big GPU increase like M2. I expext the M6 to be like M4 (big CPU increase due to smaller node and modest GPU increase)
All these factors matter only if they have an impact on your workflow. If I buy a car that can go to 200mph vs 150mph (even assuming it's legal), but I never go past 100mph it makes no difference.
It's a matter of workflow and priority. I move from M4 to M5 for one single reason, RAM, something you place among "other factors". I couldn't care less about CPU or even GPU speed. I don't care about AI. Wifi and 5G is plenty already. RAM is the only factor that bothers me all the time on my M4, because of my usage, as I experience too frequent reloads. M5 solves this issue to a large extent.
I would have been totally fine with even M1 performance, and my M1 has 16GB RAM, so no issues there. But the reason for the upgrade to the M4 and now M5 is the lighter weight, which I care a lot about.
Indeed, trying to future proof is a metal justification for FOMO most of the time. You want the improvement but cannot justify the price so you tell yourself you will keep the iPad for 7 years or a decade. Then a couple of years later you question you decision and end up getting rid of it to get a new one (justifying it with a good trade-in deal, giving it to a family member or seeling it for a "good" price).
Personaly I upgrade if I want a new feature or if I am not satisfied with my device. Main reasons for me have been lack of RAM and reloads, and new form factors like lighter weight. I have given up the idea of spending a lot to future proof, because it's too hard to predict the future.
I totally disagree on this. This is probably the number 1 reason people upgrade, even if they don't admit it. You'll find countless "I upgraded because I realized I wanted cellular, or the larger/smaller model, or more storage, etc"
I only partially agree here. Storage has historically been a big issue with iPads (my air 1 $500 purchase with 16GB storage was totally regretted). And 64 has been the base storage on the base iPad till essentially last year. I got my first M1 with 128 because I found it at a good price, but even that was tight.
Where I agree is that 256GB now is comfortable.
Because of weight reduction more than 64bit in my case
This is subjective. I got virtually all the iPads you mentioned and was disappointed with most in the end. All those minis got extremely slow over time. The 2018 was plagued with reloads after a few years (except the 1TB model). And the M4 is the new 2018, amazing redesign, but if you go base model, RAM is going to bite you after a few years (of course if you don't care about reloads you don't care about that, I don't care about RAM on my mini 5 with 3GB because of how I use it, while 8GB it's not enough for me on the M4 because of how I use it). M5 is the 2020 pro, 50% more RAM in the base, same top RAM.
Yep, why I'm upgrading my M4 - more storage. If I had bought the M4 with 1TB as I should have, I wouldn't be upgrading.
Same, although in my case it was RAM, but in the end with a 1TB M4 I wouldn't have upgraded (although to be honest back on the launch OS 8GB were enough, but with updates reloads increased and pushed me to upgrade)
maybe
i had 256GB and 8GB of ram M4 ipad pro so for me 1TB, 16GB of ram with nano texture was a good upgrade
i had 256GB and 8GB of ram M4 ipad pro so for me 1TB, 16GB of ram with nano texture was a good upgrade
Most of the numbers you put here are just synthetic benchmarks with little meaning in real world workloads.
Good for marketing, and you are an example of their target.
M5 is a good upgrade coming from an M1, maybe an M2… but a waste of money coming from an M4.
For me, the performance differences might be worth the upgrade.
It depends on how important that improvement is to you.
Does it make any difference if you render a video in 10 minutes or 12/13 minutes?
For some, the improvement is crucial; for others, it's irrelevant.
I had a 2016 iPad Pro and a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro, and the difference was significant. From the M4 to the M5, there is a difference, but not for everyone.
It depends on how important that improvement is to you.
Does it make any difference if you render a video in 10 minutes or 12/13 minutes?
For some, the improvement is crucial; for others, it's irrelevant.
I had a 2016 iPad Pro and a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro, and the difference was significant. From the M4 to the M5, there is a difference, but not for everyone.
Perhaps the real question should be - what quality of life improvements could an upgrade even offer? I’d be surprised if anyone is genuinely feeling limited by the performance of an M4 iPad. And if someone is, I’d be curious to know what they’re doing with it, because I can’t even get my M2 to break a sweat!
If you look at the reasons given by people here or on reddit, other than a couple of vocal spec nerds that you can count on 1 hand, most of those who upgraded from M4 to M5 (me included) did it for reasons other than performance, such as RAM (me), storage or in some cases cellular support or to move to a different size or to get nanotexture / standard glass.
Same here. Wanted to rectify my regret at getting wifi only. I had the 1TB M4, so extra ram or CPU power wasn’t important to me
I’ll chime in saying I updated kids iPads pro 11 because their iPads won’t freaking charge. USB c. Probably the two models before oled. Sometimes it takes a change of cables. Other times a usb a to c cable.
Is this still an issue on newer ones?
Happened to me once, went to a shop, turns out there was dirt in the USB C port, I couldn't see any. They cleaned it for free