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Apple iPad Pro with M5 review

Apple's 11-inch and 13-inch tablet with the M5 chip, a Tandem OLED display and Apple Pencil Pro support.

By the Comredix review desk · Updated November 13, 2026

Quality (40%)
9.6
Experience (25%)
9.0
Value (35%)
6.8

iPad Pro with M5 is the strongest standalone drawing device on this list, and the price reflects it. Apple's store lists it from $1,199, and the Apple Pencil is a separate purchase. The Ultra Retina XDR display uses Tandem OLED with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color and ProMotion from 10Hz to 120Hz, and the 11-inch model runs at 2420 x 1668 at 264 ppi. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil hover, which previews a brush before the tip touches the glass. A nano-texture glass option cuts glare, but Apple only offers it on 1TB and 2TB models. Unlike every pen display above it, iPad Pro needs no computer, so you can draw on a couch or a train. The limits are cost and software: it runs iPadOS apps, so desktop-only tools and Windows plugins will not run on it.

Who it is for

artists who want a standalone tablet for drawing anywhere

Price

From $1,199 on Apple's US store; Apple Pencil sold separately.

The ultimate iPad experience with the most advanced technology. From $1199
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

  • Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display, 2420 x 1668 at 264 ppi on the 11-inch model
  • ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz
  • Apple M5 chip
  • Supports Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil hover
  • Nano-texture display glass option on 1TB and 2TB models

Strengths and weaknesses

  • Strength: Works on its own, with no computer needed
  • Strength: 120Hz ProMotion and P3 wide color
  • Strength: 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio listed by Apple
  • Weakness: From $1,199 before adding an Apple Pencil
  • Weakness: Runs iPadOS apps only, not desktop Photoshop or Clip Studio for Windows
  • Weakness: Nano-texture glass is limited to 1TB and 2TB models

Key facts

  • Price: From $1,199
  • Sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch
  • Display: Tandem OLED, 10Hz to 120Hz
  • Chip: Apple M5
  • Pen: Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Where it ranks

Apple iPad Pro with M5 is No. 4 in our Best Drawing Tablets verdict.

Alternatives we scored

Visit apple.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@comredix.com