The Apple iPad Pro is one of the thinnest tablets on the market with a thickness of just 0.20 inches. The Apple M5 also makes it more powerful than many competitors, as our in-depth review illustrates. However, passively cooling such a powerful chip noticeably limits performance under sustained load.

As our benchmark show, the Apple M5 with ten CPU cores and a GPU with ten CUs is about 8% slower in the iPad Pro (from $949 on Amazon) than in the new 14-inch MacBook Pro. If both the processor and the GPU are utilized for longer periods, which can happen during gaming, even more drastic performance drops can be expected.

According to the latest info from Bloomberg, Apple plans to make improvements to the next generation iPad Pro. First, the Apple M6 should become more efficient than the 3nm Apple M5 due to an advanced 2nm fabrication process. Second, Apple reportedly plans to adapt the cooling system of the iPhone 17 Pro and also equip the upcoming iPad Pro flagship with a vapor chamber.

This new component should dissipate heat much more effectively to improve performance under sustained load. A look at the performance of the iPhone 17 Pro shows that the smartphone’s processor can use up to 15% more power thanks to more efficient cooling by the vapor chamber. While the chip still has to be throttled, it is not as severe as with the previous model. The iPad Pro with the Apple M6 is expected to launch in the first half of 2027.

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher – Senior Tech Writer – 19060 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

Translator: Enrico Frahn – Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer – 5589 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.