Apple is reportedly in the late testing phase of a new iPad Pro model, which is set to be among the first devices powered by the upcoming M5 chipset. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, four variants of the M5-powered iPad Pro are currently in development, with mass production expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
M5 iPad Pro in Development
Gurman revealed in the latest Power On newsletter that the M5 iPad Pro will likely receive only a specifications upgrade while retaining the same design as the current model. Apple previously introduced the M4 iPad Pro in May 2024, featuring an OLED display, a landscape front camera, and a slimmer body. The upcoming M5 model is expected to retain these elements, apart from the new chipset.
Four variants—J817, J818, J820, and J821—are currently being tested, aligning with previous predictions by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo regarding Apple’s mass production timeline.
Apple’s Broader M5 and M6 Plans
Alongside the M5 iPad Pro, Apple is also working on new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by the same chipset, though they are not expected to undergo major design changes. Additionally, early-stage development of M6-powered iPad models is underway, with speculation that they may feature Apple’s in-house proprietary modems.
Following the introduction of the C1 modem with the iPhone 16e in February, Apple has positioned it as its most power-efficient modem yet. Future iterations could potentially be integrated into the rumored M6-powered iPads.
