Apple is accelerating the development of its next-generation iPad Pro, with the new model expected to debut in the second half of 2025, featuring the all-new M5 chip. This chip will be manufactured using TSMC’s improved 3nm N3P process, promising further enhancements in performance and power efficiency compared to the N3E process used for the current M4 chip. Notably, the M5 chip is said to introduce a modular stacking design for the first time, similar to AMD’s X3D CPU technology, which vertically integrates multiple modules to boost processing power and thermal efficiency. The higher-end M5 Pro variant may even adopt a chiplet architecture, an innovative design that is expected to extend to the Mac product line in the future.
The current M4-equipped iPad Pro was released in May 2024, while the M4 update for the MacBook was delayed until the fall of the same year. In contrast, production of the M5 iPad Pro is scheduled for the second half of 2025, with a potential release in July or later. This suggests that the new iPad Pro will once again outpace the MacBook, as the M5 version of the latter is not expected to arrive until the end of the year. Four M5 iPad Pro models, codenamed J817, J818, J820, and J821, have already entered the final testing phase internally at Apple, with pre-production preparations nearing completion.
At the same time, Apple is laying the groundwork for the more distant future—an iPad Pro with the M6 chip is already in development. This model is slated for a 2027 release, and one of its key highlights could be the integration of Apple’s in-house-developed modem for the first time. In recent years, Apple has heavily invested in 5G modem technology, with its first self-developed product, the C1 modem, debuting in the iPhone 16e this year. Built on a 4nm process, the C1 chip features a dedicated RF transceiver and supports 5G connectivity, delivering performance comparable to Qualcomm’s mainstream solutions. Apple plans to expand its in-house modem to devices like the MacBook and Vision Pro, and the M6 iPad Pro may feature the “Ganymede” codenamed C2 modem, further enhancing network performance. However, the current M4 iPad Pro still relies on Qualcomm’s modem, and it remains unclear whether the M5 version will transition to Apple’s own solution.
From a technical perspective, the M5 series upgrades go beyond process improvements. The base M5 chip is expected to enter mass production in the first half of 2025, while the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra variants are planned for production in the second half of 2025 and 2026, respectively. The M5 Pro and higher models will utilize SoIC-mH packaging technology, a server-grade chip encapsulation method that optimizes heat dissipation and improves manufacturing yields. This design, already maturing in high-performance computing, reflects Apple’s relentless pursuit of performance as it brings it to consumer electronics.
Apple’s journey with in-house modems is also worth noting. Since acquiring Intel’s modem business in 2019, Apple has steadily reduced its reliance on Qualcomm. The successful debut of the C1 modem marks a milestone in this strategy. Rumors suggest that a future C3 chip, codenamed “Prometheus,” is already in the works, potentially offering higher bandwidth and lower latency for an enhanced 5G experience. If the M6 iPad Pro integrates the C2 or an even more advanced modem, it could provide users with more stable and faster cellular connectivity, particularly advantageous in mobile office and creative scenarios.
Looking back at the iPad Pro’s recent evolution, the introduction of the M-series chips has significantly boosted its productivity capabilities. The 2022 M2 iPad Pro introduced Apple Pencil hover functionality, while the 2024 M4 version brought stronger graphics processing and AI computing power. The arrival of the M5 and M6 is expected to continue this trend, delivering breakthroughs in multitasking, AR applications, and professional software support. Additionally, reports suggest that the M5 iPad Pro’s display driver chip will see supply chain optimizations. While the overall design may carry over from the current model, subtle refinements could still enhance the user experience.
For tech enthusiasts, the unveiling of the M5 and M6 iPad Pro models is undeniably exciting. The M5 chip’s stacking design and N3P process signal a performance leap, while the M6’s modem showcases Apple’s ambition to integrate its hardware ecosystem. Though the M6 launch is still over two years away, the M5 iPad Pro’s 2025 debut is just around the corner. Whether you’re a creator chasing peak performance or a user anticipating the expansion of the 5G ecosystem, these two devices are worth watching closely. With Apple’s ongoing breakthroughs in chip and networking technology, the iPad Pro is steadily evolving from a premium tablet into an all-purpose productivity tool.