Apple Expected to Release iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with M5 Chip in 2025

It is shaping up to be another huge year in 2025, as Apple is also expected to launch a new iPad Pro, along with, a report that the company will also launch a new MacBook Pro that will use the so-called much-anticipated chip, M5. As a recent report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg showed, the Apple new iPad Pro lineup is already in its advanced testing phase.

Apple Expected to Release iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with M5 Chip in 2025
  • James
  • 2025-03-31

The company should start the mass production in the second half of the year. Assuming the timeline remains unchanged, then the new iPad Pro models may be officially launched as early as October 2025, which is right in line with the schedule of the previous flagship models of this tablet company.

A Look Back: From M4 to M5

Since the launch of the first M-series chip in 2020, Apple has been developing its silicon roadmap very fast. In May 2024, the company released the M4 chip with the newer iPad Pro models that promises substantial performance and energy efficiency improvements. The same generation introduced a number of design improvements, such as a very slim body, a repositioned front camera to be used in scenery, and a colorful OLED display, which improved the quality of visuals both in the creative processes as well as professional processes.

And, slightly more than a year later, Apple is about to jump forward once more with the M5 chip. It is believed that the new iPad Pro will be among the first to have this next generation processor whose hardware and software enhancements will be rolled out in a fresh wave. Even though the basic design is likely to be left mostly the same, internal upgrades should provide more performance, improved multitasking and improved AI features, which are the areas Apple has been invested heavily in.

iPad Pro has Four Variants Being Developed

The next iPad Pro is reported to be in testing by Apple on four configurations, internal codenames J817, J818, J820 and J821. Such versions must probably be displayed in various screen sizes and connectivity, including Wi-Fi and cellular. Although precise specifications are being held under lock and key, the M5 chip will likely provide substantial performance improvements to application areas such as video editing, 3D rendering, and other augmented-reality applications, at the same time with great battery efficiency.

Like the other models, the iPad Pro will still position itself as one of the professional grade tablets to the creative users, designers and developers. Combined with the innovation of iPadOS and such accessories as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, the upcoming iPad Pro can further blur the line between tablet and laptop productivity.

MacBook Pro M5 Evolution, Not Revolution.

In addition to the MacBook Pro, Apple is also planning the refreshed versions of the iPad Pro that will take advantage of the M5 chip. It is expected that these laptops will be available later in this year possibly in the last quarter of 2025. But the reports indicate that this update will be more of an in-house upgrade but not a total redesign. It will focus on the revised M5 silicon, which will have higher processing speeds, graphics, and better energy management.

Interestingly, it is reported that Apple is preparing a significant redesign of the MacBook Pro range in 2026. The next generation would hopefully bring about an OLED display which will be a much-needed improvement in that it will offer better blacks and contrast and richer colors. Given such a significant overhaul in the offing, users who need significant visual/design overhaul may opt to wait until the next generation. Conversely, the M5 MacBook Pro can potentially be promoted as an upgrade to professionals who prefer to work fast, use less power, and be compatible with the latest macOS features in the second half of the year.

M5 Strategy and AI Integration of Apple

In the event of the iPad and MacBook, the M5 chip of Apple is also likely to be included into the Mac Mini and other desktop computers. The chip shall also be able to offer a significant increase in performance and power efficiency, as well as sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning features. This is consistent with the overall trend of Apple to incorporate more AI into macOS and iPadOS: both more intelligent on-device computing and smarter creative processes.

Though Apple has not formally verified these facts, the market research analysts feel that the M5 generation will be a turning point in the silicon development of Apple. The difference between portable and desktop-class performance has been narrowed by each generation, and the M5 is likely to do the same, providing the even more consistent experience throughout the Apple ecosystem of devices.

Anticipated ROI and Next Step

Assuming that the current reports are correct, the M5 iPad Pro is planned to be mass-produced in the second half of 2025 and released in October. This could be followed by its MacBook Pro models with the same chip which may be launched in November or December. Nevertheless, since Apple production schedules have changed at times particularly following the global supply chain realignments, they are still considered tentative plans before such changes are announced.

In May 2024, Apple released the M4 chip as iPad Pro, and subsequently to iPad Pro M4 Pro and M4 Max models as Mac devices in October. The company seems to be slightly lagging behind the usual release schedule that it follows this year, but the upcoming M5 series should enable Apple to pick up.

The second half of 2025 is going to be a number to look forward to amongst the Apple users and tech enthusiasts. Having brought the M5-based iPad Pro and the MacBook Pro, Apple now is marching to its next stage of greater performance, more efficiency, and more AI involvement, a feature of the next-generation computing.

It can be expected that additional information will be available in the next few months as Apple will be ready to release its M5 chip and redefine its range of products again.