Apple Reportedly Testing M5-Powered iPad Pro for 2025 Launch
Apple is said to be in the late stages of testing a new iPad Pro powered by the upcoming M5 chipset, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The new tablet is expected to be among the first devices to debut with the next-generation Apple Silicon. Production of the M5-equipped iPad Pro could begin in the second half of 2025, with four different models reportedly in development.
Gurman shared these insights in his latest Power On newsletter, where he noted that while the M5 iPad Pro will see internal upgrades, the external design is likely to remain largely unchanged. This suggests Apple may be focusing more on performance improvements rather than a major design overhaul for this generation. The four versions currently undergoing testing are codenamed J817, J818, J820, and J821.
The new model will follow the M4 iPad Pro, which launched in May 2024 and introduced a number of significant upgrades, including OLED displays, a thinner chassis, and a front-facing camera repositioned to landscape orientation. Early speculation indicates that the M5 version will retain these design features while building on the performance and efficiency improvements of the newer chip.
In addition to the upcoming iPad Pro models, Apple is also reportedly working on refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops that will be powered by the same M5 chipset. These laptops, like the iPads, are expected to retain their current designs. Gurman also mentioned that Apple has begun early development of M6-powered iPads, which may feature custom-built Apple modems—though those are not expected to arrive anytime soon.
