The iPad Pro is about to 'outpace' the MacBook again.

Based on rumors, the M5 chip is expected to first appear in the iPad Pro before Apple brings it to the MacBook Pro.

Multi-window multitasking feature on iPadOS 26. Photo: Digital Trends .

Based on rumors, Apple is expected to launch the iPad Pro M5 later this year. If the information is accurate, this will be the second time the next-generation M chip has debuted on an iPad. Meanwhile, Mac users may have to wait until next year to experience the M5 chip.

Originally designed for Mac computers, Apple gradually brought the M chip to smaller devices like the iPad Pro and iPad Air. However, bringing the M4 and M5 chips to iPads earlier than Macs shows that Apple is increasingly prioritizing this tablet line.

Why the M chip is important on the iPad Pro

According to 9to5Mac , the iPad Pro isn't entirely new to M chips, but prior to the M4, every other generation of chips appeared on Mac computers a few months before being brought to the iPad.

Although Apple doesn't explicitly define it, the "M" is generally considered an abbreviation for Mac. The M1, M2, and M3 generations all debuted with Macs before appearing on iPads.

With the M4, the iPad Pro got its first new chip before even the Macs. According to 9to5Mac , Apple will maintain this strategy with the M5 generation.

Last year, the iPad Pro was the only Apple device to use the M4 chip for six months. It launched in May 2024, six months before the M4 Mac lineup was released.

This time, the timeframe might be shorter because, according to rumors, the iPad Pro M5 is expected to hit shelves in the fall, specifically between September and November.

According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, the MacBook Pro M5 is expected to launch as early as 2026. This means the timeframe for the M5 chip to become exclusive to the iPad Pro could be shorter, at least two months compared to its predecessor.

iPad Pro M4. Photo: Popular Science .

Looking at the bigger picture, the iPad's software platform has also undergone significant changes. As of iPadOS 18, the M4 chip hasn't yet reached its full potential due to software limitations.

However, iPadOS 26 is considered one of the biggest software updates for the iPad, allowing the device to fully utilize its hardware capabilities.

In addition to the Liquid Glass interface, iPadOS 26 boasts several upgrades, including a multi-window multitasking system, a completely new Files app, and Preview for editing PDF files.

According to Apple, the window system on iPadOS 26 allows for "flexible window resizing" and placement anywhere on the screen. Users can add windows to Stage Manager mode and drag and drop them if using multiple monitors.

The iPad has always been positioned between the iPhone and the Mac. Recently, many have argued that the iPad's power is more than sufficient to function as a true computer. With iPadOS 26, Apple has shifted its focus toward macOS by adding a menu bar that can be swiped down from the top to display different options for the currently open application.

While the iPad Pro M5 is likely just a configuration upgrade, it could be the first generation of iPads to truly leverage the power of both software and hardware. Features like multi-window multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously will benefit from the new chip.

When will the MacBook Pro M5 be released?

In addition to the standard M5 version, Apple is expected to release higher-end versions such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max. Of course, these models will appear on Mac computers.

In an article dated August 12th, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the MacBook Pro M5 is expected to launch in 2026. Specifically, the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions will utilize a new molding and casting process.

MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro. Photo: TechCrunch .

Named WMCM (Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module), this is TSMC's latest chip packaging technology. The design allows RAM to be integrated directly onto the wafer along with the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, instead of being located next to the chip and connected via bridges or silicon interposers.

In addition to the M5 Pro and M5 Max, the new technology is expected to be applied to the A20 chip in the iPhone 18. This change could bring many benefits, such as faster Apple Intelligence, optimized battery life, and temperature management. It also helps to miniaturize the A20, creating space for other components.

Previously, rumors suggested the MacBook Pro M5 would launch in late 2025. However, Mark Gurman emphasizes that Apple is considering delaying the device's release to 2026.

Source: https://znews.vn/apple-tiep-tuc-co-dong-thai-la-voi-ipad-pro-post1576857.html