Apple to Launch iPad Pro & MacBook Pro with M5 Chip in 2025: What to Expect

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models powered by its upcoming M5 chip in 2025. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has already entered the advanced testing phase for the iPad Pro, and mass production is expected to begin in the second half of the year.

If Apple follows previous launch timelines—similar to the 2018 and 2022 iPad Pro releases—the new M5-powered devices could be unveiled around October 2025.

iPad Pro to be One of the First Devices with M5 Chip

Apple is reportedly making the iPad Pro one of the first devices to feature the M5 chip, even though the company launched the M4-powered iPad Pro in May 2024. The 2024 iPad Pro models introduced significant changes, including:

• OLED display

• Thinner and lighter design

• Repositioned front camera

However, the upcoming M5-powered iPad Pro is not expected to undergo any major design changes. Instead, the focus will be on performance improvements brought by the M5 chip.

Internal Codenames for iPad Pro M5 Variants

According to the report, Apple is testing multiple variants of the new iPad Pro, with internal codenames:

• J817

• J818

• J820

• J821

These different model numbers could indicate variations in screen sizes or configurations, though specific details remain under wraps.

MacBook Pro with M5 Chip Also in the Works

Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple is also developing new MacBook Pro models that will feature the M5 chip. However, these upcoming laptops may not introduce any major hardware redesigns.

MacBook Pro Redesign Expected in 2026

Rumors suggest that Apple is working on a bigger design overhaul for the MacBook Pro, but this is likely planned for 2026. The next-gen MacBook Pro could feature:

• An OLED display for better contrast and energy efficiency

• An even slimmer and lighter design

If Apple indeed plans a major redesign for 2026, users who are waiting for a significant refresh may want to hold off on upgrading until then.

Apple’s M5 Chip: What to Expect?

Apple's in-house M5 chip is expected to bring several key improvements, including:

1. Better Performance and Processing Power

The M5 chip will likely provide a significant performance boost over its predecessor, making tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming smoother and more efficient.

2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Apple’s silicon chips have consistently improved power efficiency, and the M5 chip is expected to optimize battery life while maintaining high performance.

3. AI and Machine Learning Enhancements

With Apple increasingly focusing on AI-driven capabilities, the M5 chip could introduce improved AI performance, benefiting professional applications, photo/video editing, and real-time processing tasks.

Possible Launch Timeline for M5-Powered Devices

Looking at Apple’s chip release history, the M4 chip debuted in May 2024, powering the latest iPad Pro models. Later, Apple launched the M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets in October 2024 for its Mac lineup.

However, with the M5 chip expected in 2025, the report suggests that Apple might be slightly behind its usual launch schedule. If Apple follows previous timelines, the iPad Pro M5 should arrive in a few months, possibly in October 2025, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Production Timeline

• Advanced testing phase ongoing

• Mass production expected to begin in H2 2025

• Possible launch in October 2025

As with all leaks and rumors, users are advised to take this information with a pinch of salt, as Apple has not yet made any official announcements.

What This Means for Apple Users

For Apple users looking to upgrade their iPad Pro or MacBook Pro, the M5 chip-powered devices are expected to deliver enhanced performance and AI capabilities. However, those seeking a completely redesigned MacBook Pro may want to wait until 2026, when a major design overhaul with an OLED display is rumored to arrive.

With mass production set to begin later this year, more details on Apple’s M5-powered devices are likely to surface in the coming months.