Research Firm Claims Apple’s M5 iPad Pro Will Lack Unique Features, OLED Technology Will Stay Consistent With Current Models

Recent insights from a market research firm indicate that Apple is poised to launch the much-anticipated M5 iPad Pro series later this year. While this news might excite tech enthusiasts, initial reports suggest that the new flagship tablets will not present significant advancements compared to their M4 predecessors, aside from the upgraded chipset. This perceived uniformity, alongside relevant shipment statistics, implies that the upcoming models are unlikely to be the primary catalyst for growth within Apple’s tablet lineup. Instead, the more budget-friendly versions will likely play a crucial role in driving sales momentum.

Modest Performance Enhancements with the New M5 Chipset

According to a research note from Meritz Securities, which was brought to light by tipster @Jukanlosreve, the initial projections for OLED panel shipments for the M4 iPad Pro by LG and Samsung were around 9 million units. However, demand has significantly softened, resulting in a revised estimate of approximately 5.7 million units. Forecasts for 2025 suggest a similarly muted reception, with the M5 iPad Pro’s OLED projections only reaching 5.5 million shipments.

Meritz Securities further anticipates minimal changes in the internal hardware of the M5 iPad Pro models, maintaining the existing OLED technology framework while integrating the new M5 chipset. Unfortunately, while this chipset has begun mass production utilizing TSMC’s advanced 3nm ‘N3P’ technology, its efficiency gains are limited to around 10 percent, and performance improvements are forecasted to be a meager 5 percent compared to the current-generation 3nm ‘N3E’ node.

These elements could account for Apple’s decision to introduce the M5 iPad Pro models after the new MacBook Pro versions. There is a possibility that the flagship tablets may face delays, potentially launching as late as 2026. Apple initially released the M4 iPad Pro series ahead of the MacBook Pro to highlight the sleek design and substantial performance improvements enabled by the M4 chip, resulting in an earlier rollout than the Mac models last year.

Despite these enhancements, the 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models did not significantly boost sales momentum, primarily due to their high price points, which matched those of Mac computers. Consequently, Apple relied on its more affordable iPad models to bolster the 15 percent growth reported during its Q1 2025 earnings call. In 2023, we may witness a similar scenario with the upcoming M5 iPad Pro models, especially as new versions of the M3 iPad Air series and the budget-friendly A16 Bionic-powered iPad seek to provide the necessary boost.

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