Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5)

The iPad Pro 11" with M5 chip has been available since October 2025 and stands at the forefront of the compact premium segment. Tandem-OLED, Thunderbolt 5, and a desktop processor meet an operating system that can only partially exploit this performance. At 5.1 millimeters thick and weighing 440 grams, the device is exceptionally portable. The price is notable: starting at €1,099, it is €100 less than its predecessor. Currently, there is nothing faster for maximum computing power in an 11-inch form factor.

Classification and Target Audience

The iPad Pro is aimed at creative professionals who edit photos and videos on the go, as well as anyone who uses the Apple Pencil Pro intensively. For pure media consumption, it is oversized – the iPad Air or the base iPad suffices for that. Direct competition comes from the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, which offers more screen area and a true desktop mode, but does not match the raw performance of the M5.

Display and Design

The Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology measures 11 inches, has a resolution of 2,420 x 1,668 pixels at 264 ppi, and achieves 1,000 nits in SDR and 1,600 nits in HDR operation – with true black and native 120 Hz ProMotion. The aluminum chassis is only 5.1 millimeters thick and weighs 440 grams. There is no IP certification.

Performance and Hardware

The M5 delivers computing power at notebook level and significantly accelerates AI-supported image and video editing. In the versions with 256 and 512 GB, 12 GB of RAM is available, and from 1 TB, there are 16 GB. The storage capacity goes up to 2 TB. Connectivity is through Thunderbolt 5 with over 40 Gbit/s – external displays, fast SSDs, and professional peripherals function smoothly without bottlenecks. WiFi 7 is included, and Apple claims around 13 hours of battery life in WLAN use.

Productivity and Accessories

The accessories determine whether the tablet can be used as a work device:

• Stylus: Apple Pencil Pro with pressure sensitivity and squeeze gesture, alternatively Apple Pencil USB-C.
• Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with trackpad, along with the lighter Smart Folio.
• Desktop mode: Stage Manager with Split View and Slide Over.
• Connection: Thunderbolt 5 with DisplayPort for external monitors.

None of these parts are included – a productively usable setup quickly costs over €1,600.

Software Status

The device runs on iPadOS and fully supports Apple Intelligence. However, iPadOS remains the actual bottleneck: file management, true window multitasking, and professional software workflows are still limited, causing the M5's performance to often remain untapped in everyday use. The software support typically extends over more than five years.

Conclusion and Price-Performance Ratio

With prices of €1,099 for 256 GB, €1,349 for 512 GB, €1,849 for 1 TB, and €2,349 for 2 TB in the WLAN version (street price currently around €929 as of July 2026), the iPad Pro 11" is for the first time cheaper than its predecessor. However, for owners of an M4 model, the switch is hardly worthwhile. For newcomers seeking to leverage the performance, this is the best compact tablet available – but one must factor in accessories and high storage price surcharges.