iPad Pro 11-inch M5 in 2026: Is It Worth Buying? UK Guide

Is the iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) worth buying in 2026? Yes, if you want the newest iPad Pro chip in the more portable size, with 12GB of memory as standard, Wi-Fi 7 and support for iPadOS 27.

Apple released the M5 iPad Pro on 22 October 2025, starting at £999 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and £1,199 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. It is still the iPad Pro shown on Apple's current specifications page. The question is whether its upgrades over the 11-inch M4 are worth the extra cost for the way you work.

1. Software support: iPadOS 27 and Apple Intelligence

Apple lists iPad Pro models with M1 and later as compatible with iPadOS 27, so the M5 is covered. Apple Intelligence features are listed for iPad models with M1 or later, subject to language and region. As the newest iPad Pro generation, the M5 has the longest likely runway for future updates of any iPad Pro, although Apple confirms support one release at a time. See our iPadOS 27 compatibility guide for the full list.

2. Performance: what M5 adds

The 256GB and 512GB models use a 9-core CPU (3 performance, 6 efficiency) and the 1TB and 2TB models a 10-core CPU (4 performance, 6 efficiency). Every version has a 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a 16-core Neural Engine and 153GB/s of memory bandwidth.

Apple says M5 delivers up to 3.5x the AI performance of the M4 iPad Pro and up to 1.5x faster 3D ray-tracing rendering, with storage read and write speeds up to 2x faster. These gains show most in pro apps that use on-device AI, 3D rendering and large exports. For notes, email, streaming and drawing, the M4 is already fast, and you may not notice much difference.

3. Memory: 12GB from the base model

The memory change is easy to overlook. The 256GB and 512GB M5 models have 12GB of unified memory, where the equivalent M4 models had 8GB. The 1TB and 2TB versions have 16GB. If you keep many apps open, work with large canvases or run pro audio and video apps, the extra memory at entry storage tiers is one of the most practical reasons to choose M5 over M4.

4. The 11-inch display

The 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR screen uses tandem OLED with up to 1,000 nits full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR, 1,600 nits peak for HDR content, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide colour and True Tone. This is the same display specification Apple gave the 11-inch M4, so don't pay extra for the M5 expecting a better screen. Nano-texture glass is available only on the 1TB and 2TB models.

5. Battery and fast charging

The 11-inch M5 has a 31.29 Wh battery, rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video on Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours of web browsing on mobile data. That is the same rating as the 11-inch M4. What is new is fast charging: Apple says it can reach 50% in around 30 minutes with a 60W or higher USB-C power adapter, sold separately.

Battery health varies by unit on any refurbished or pre-owned iPad, and cosmetic grades describe appearance, not battery. Apple supports Settings → Battery → Battery Health on iPad Pro (M5), which shows maximum capacity and cycle count.

6. Connectivity: N1, C1X and external displays

Apple's N1 wireless chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Cellular models use Apple's C1X modem, which Apple says delivers up to 50% faster cellular data than its predecessor, with 5G sub-6 GHz support. Cellular models are eSIM only, so check your network supports eSIM on iPad; our Wi-Fi vs Cellular iPad guide explains whether you need it.

The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port supports up to 40Gb/s, and Apple says M5 adds support for external displays up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync.

7. Which storage should you choose?

The 11-inch M5 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. Since 256GB and 512GB both include 12GB of memory, most buyers can choose on storage alone. ProRes recording is limited to 1080p on the 256GB model, with 4K ProRes at 30 fps on higher capacities. Choose 1TB or more only if you need 16GB of memory, the 10-core CPU, nano-texture glass or lots of local files.

8. 11-inch M5 vs 11-inch M4 and iPad Air

The 11-inch M4 has the same display, size, weight and rated battery life. The M5 adds more base memory, Neural Accelerators, Wi-Fi 7, the C1X modem and fast charging. If a refurbished 11-inch M4 is much cheaper, or gives you more storage for the same money, it can be better value. Our iPad Pro M4 vs M5 guide compares the two in detail.

Apple's iPad Air with M4, announced in March 2026, also has 12GB of memory and the N1 chip. Compare the display and ports on Apple's pages, and read iPad Air vs iPad Pro before deciding.

9. Accessories and what to check on arrival

Apple lists Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for the M5, with hover. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch works with both M5 and M4 models, so a keyboard from the M4 generation fits.

1. Confirm the chip is M5, plus storage, colour, Wi-Fi or cellular and glass type.
2. Set up with your own Apple Account and confirm no Activation Lock remains.
3. Check battery health and cycle count in Settings.
4. Test Face ID, cameras, speakers, USB-C charging and Apple Pencil pairing.
5. Compare condition, packaging and accessories with the listing.

Qualifying refurbished devices at Tech Market include a 12-month warranty and free UK delivery.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare iPad Pro 11-inch M5 deals?

Compare storage, Wi-Fi or cellular, glass type, condition grade, battery information and accessories together. An M5 with 256GB and a cellular modem is a different product from a 512GB Wi-Fi model, even at a similar price.

What was the iPad Pro 11-inch M5 price at launch?

Apple's UK launch prices started at £999 (Wi-Fi) and £1,199 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

Does the M5 iPad Pro have a better screen than the M4?

No. Apple gives both the same 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED specification.

Does the M4-generation Magic Keyboard fit the 11-inch M5?

Apple lists the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch as compatible with M5 and M4 models. Check the keyboard's model before buying.

Final verdict

The 11-inch M5 is worth buying if you will use its extra memory, AI performance, Wi-Fi 7 or fast charging; otherwise a well-priced M4 can be the better buy. See current iPad Pro listings or all iPads at Tech Market.

Related buying guides

• iPad Pro 11-inch M4 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
• iPad Pro 13-inch M4 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
• iPad Air M4 (11-inch) in 2026: Worth Buying? UK Guide

Official sources: Apple iPad Pro (M5) tech specs · Apple Newsroom: iPad Pro with M5 · Apple Newsroom: availability · iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) tech specs · Apple iPadOS 27 · Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch tech specs · Check iPad battery health · Apple Newsroom: iPad Air with M4.

Reviewed 8 November 2026. Confirm current software, compatibility, product condition and availability before ordering.