The 5th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro is Apple’s latest and most powerful tablet on the market. It boasts a range of impressive features and specifications, making it the best device for all users. Powered by the cutting-edge M1 chip, it delivers exceptional performance across all tasks and apps with ease. The M1 chip is the same processor found in Apple’s latest Macs, elevating the iPad Pro’s capabilities to new heights. Benchmark scores are on par with or exceed many traditional laptops in performance.
Additionally, the iPad Pro features a 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera for video calls and content creation. The camera supports Apple’s innovative “Center Stage” feature, which automatically pans and zooms to keep users in frame during video calls. This intelligent feature ensures a smooth and professional video calling experience, whether for business or personal use.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) Key Specifications
Table of Contents
- Release Date and Price
- Design: Familiar, However Refined
- Display: The Stunning Liquid Retina XDR
- Performance: M1 Chip Brings Mac-Level Power
- Storage and Memory: Plenty of Space for Everything
- Camera System: Improved for Creativity and AR
- Connectivity: Faster and More Versatile
- Battery Life: All-Day Power
- Accessories: Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil
- Software: The Power of iPad OS
- Conclusion: The Best iPad
Release Date and Price
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) was released on May 21, 2021, bringing groundbreaking enhancements to Apple’s tablet lineup. At launch, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) started at $1,099 for the 128GB Wi-Fi-only model, with prices escalating based on storage capacity and connectivity options.
The Wi-Fi + Cellular model began at $1,299 for the same 128GB storage. Users could choose from storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and an impressive 2TB. The highest-end configuration, with 2TB of storage and Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity, was priced at $2,399.
Design: Familiar, However Refined
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) retains the sleek and modern design of its predecessor, featuring slim bezels and an edge-to-edge display.
Available in two colors:
- Space Gray
- Silver
It maintains a professional aesthetic that looks great in any setting.
The dimensions of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro are almost identical to the previous model, measuring 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm. The Wi-Fi model weighs 682 grams, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighs 684 grams. This slight increase in thickness and weight is due to the new display technology incorporated into the device. Despite the increase, the iPad Pro remains extremely portable for a device with such a large screen. It offers a compact design while delivering impressive performance and stunning visuals on the go.
Display: The Stunning Liquid Retina XDR
One of the outstanding features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) is its Liquid Retina XDR display. This new screen technology uses mini-LEDs to deliver an exceptional visual experience with a 2732 x 2048 resolution at 264 pixels per inch (PPI).
The display supports a peak brightness of 1,000 nits for full-screen content and an incredible 1,600 nits for HDR content, making it perfect for viewing high dynamic range videos and editing photos with precision.
The display also features promotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate, True Tone for natural viewing in various lighting conditions, and P3 wide color gamut support. These features ensure that everything on the screen looks sharp, vibrant, and incredibly smooth.
Performance: M1 Chip Brings Mac-Level Power
The Apple M1 chip, the same processor used in the latest Macs, powers the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation). This 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver a massive performance boost, making this iPad Pro one of the most powerful tablets on the market.
The M1 chip provides lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D versions, and running complex apps.
Standard tests show that the M1-powered iPad Pro performs significantly better than its predecessors, with Geekbench 5 scores around 1,700 for single-core and over 7,200 for multi-core performance. This makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) as powerful as many high-end laptops.
Storage and Memory: Plenty of Space for Everything
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) offers a range of storage options to suit different needs, starting from 128 GB and going up to 2 TB.
The models with 1 TB and 2 TB storage come with 16 GB of RAM, while the 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB models have 8 GB of RAM. This ample memory ensures smooth multitasking and handling of intensive applications.
Camera System: Improved for Creativity and AR
The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) is designed for photographers, videographers, and AR developers. The rear camera setup includes a 12 MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture for enhanced quality.
Additionally, it features a 10 MP ultra-wide camera with a 125-degree field of view for versatile shots. This setup allows users to capture high-quality images and videos in various settings and environments. With these advanced features, the iPad Pro offers a powerful camera system for creative professionals and content creators. These cameras are capable of capturing stunning photos and 4K videos.
The new LiDAR scanner, first introduced in the 4th Generation model, remains a key feature for augmented reality applications, providing faster and more accurate depth perception. This makes the iPad Pro a powerful tool for AR experiences and applications.
On the front, the iPad Pro features a 12 MP ultra-wide camera with a 122-degree field of view, ideal for video calls and selfies. The new Center Stage feature uses machine learning to automatically pan and zoom during video calls, keeping you centered in the frame as you move around.
Connectivity: Faster and More Versatile
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) includes advanced connectivity options, making it more versatile than ever. It features a flash of lightning/USB 4 port, providing faster data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gaps and support for external displays with up to 6K resolution.
This port also supports a wide range of accessories, making the iPad Pro a more capable device for professional use.
For wireless connectivity, the iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and optional 5G on cellular models, offering faster download speeds and better performance in crowded areas. This makes it ideal for those who need reliable internet access on the go.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Despite its powerful performance and new display technology, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) maintains excellent battery life. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life when browsing the web on Wi-Fi or watching videos.
With 5G connectivity, you can expect up to 9 hours of usage. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging with the included 20W USB-C power adapter, ensuring you can quickly recharge and get back to work or play.
Accessories: Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) is compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), both of which enhance the device’s versatility.
The Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience and includes a built-in trackpad, turning the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. It also offers a floating design with adjustable angles, making it easy to find the perfect viewing position.
The Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is a must-have for artists, designers, and note-takers. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for easy storage and wireless charging. With its low latency and high precision, the Apple Pencil delivers a natural and responsive drawing experience.
Software: The Power of iPad OS
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) runs on iPad OS, designed to optimize large displays and powerful hardware. iPad OS includes features like Split View, Slide Over, and a redesigned Home Screen for multitasking.
These features make it easy to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, enhancing productivity across apps. With support for the latest apps and games, the iPad Pro adapts to a wide range of needs. It offers a versatile experience, capable of handling everything from creative projects to entertainment and productivity tasks.
Conclusion: The Best iPad
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) is absolutely one of the most powerful and versatile tablets on the market. With its M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display, and enhanced camera system, it meets all professional needs. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) also features advanced connectivity options for seamless work.
Whether you’re a creative professional, student, or power user, this iPad delivers exceptional performance across all tasks. It provides a powerful device for both work and play, making it versatile for all kinds of users. The iPad Pro offers an unparalleled tablet experience, combining power, portability, and cutting-edge technology in one device.
FAQs: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) Full Review
How much is iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation in dollars?
The price of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation varies based on configuration and storage options. As of 2025, the starting price for the Wi-Fi model is around USD 1,099, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at USD 1,299. Prices may fluctuate depending on promotions, sales, or retailer offers. For the latest pricing, it's recommended to check Apple's official website or authorized retailers.
How to check if an iPad is original?
To check if your iPad is original, follow these simple steps:
- Verify the serial number – Visit Apple’s official website and enter the serial number (found in the iPad settings or on the device’s box) to confirm authenticity.
- Check the build quality – Genuine iPads have premium build quality with no loose parts or poor finishes.
- Inspect the software – Only original iPads run iPadOS and have access to the App Store.
- Look for the Apple logo – The logo should be precise and not blurry or uneven.
If in doubt, purchase from authorized retailers to guarantee you get an authentic device.
Do 5th-generation iPads still work?
Yes, the 5th generation iPads, including the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation), still work excellently. These devices are powered by the M1 chip, ensuring fast performance and compatibility with current apps and software updates. As of 2025, the 5th generation iPad Pro is still fully functional and supported by Apple’s iPadOS updates, providing a seamless user experience.
Is there a 7th-generation iPad Pro?
Currently, as of 2025, there is no 7th generation iPad Pro. The latest iPad Pro models are part of the 5th generation, which includes both 11-inch and 12.9-inch options. Apple continues to innovate with regular upgrades, so it’s likely we will see future generations of iPad Pro with even more advanced features. For the latest news and releases, keep an eye on announcements from Apple.