M5 iPad Pro Leak Reveals Big GPU Gains but Familiar Design

The tech world rarely gets a true surprise when it comes to Apple, but this week delivered one. A leaked unboxing video of the upcoming M5 iPad Pro surfaced online, giving enthusiasts an unprecedented look at the device before its official unveiling.

While Apple is known for carefully orchestrated product reveals, the leak pulls the curtain back early, revealing both familiar design choices and some serious performance gains under the hood.

A Rare Early Look at Apple’s Next Pro Tablet

The video, originating from a Russian YouTube channel, shows a full hands-on experience with the M5 iPad Pro. For those who expected Apple to shake up the physical design, there may be some disappointment. According to the footage and supported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device looks nearly identical to the M4 model. The ultra-thin chassis, precise edges, slim bezels, and the Tandem OLED display return unchanged, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

The packaging itself also delivers few surprises: the iPad Pro, a braided USB-C charging cable, and the usual documentation. Apple seems intent on continuing its minimalistic approach to unboxing, focusing its big upgrades on performance rather than aesthetics or extras in the box.

Performance Benchmarks That Matter

Where things get exciting is inside. The leak reveals GeekBench benchmarks pointing to a 9-core M5 chip configuration, mirroring the M4 in structure but offering clear improvements. CPU clock speeds reportedly climb by 12% to 15%, which may not sound monumental at first, but such gains can translate into smoother multitasking and faster performance across pro apps that creative professionals depend on.

The real headline, however, is the GPU upgrade. Benchmarks suggest up to a 35% boost in graphics performance. This positions the M5 iPad Pro as a formidable device for gaming, real-time rendering, and video editing. For anyone pushing the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, this GPU leap strengthens the argument dramatically. Combined with 12GB of RAM, now aligning with the iPhone 17 Pro’s top-end configuration, the device looks built for demanding creative workflows.

Design Familiarity, Internal Evolution

It is telling that Apple has decided against any exterior reinvention this cycle. While some may crave radical redesigns, the company seems focused on incremental, meaningful performance refinements. For professionals invested in the Apple ecosystem, the lack of design overhaul is almost a benefit: there is no need to replace expensive accessories, and the device retains the same portability and sleek profile users already trust.

Critically, this performance-first strategy cements the Pro as Apple’s true power tablet. Casual iPad users may not notice much difference from older models, but for those working in 3D modeling, high-resolution video editing, or complex app development, the gains are significant. The combination of improved CPU, vastly stronger GPU, and expanded memory makes the M5 iPad Pro more than just a routine upgrade – it’s a statement that Apple intends to keep the iPad as a serious productivity tool.

Why the Leak Matters

Leaks of this magnitude are rare for Apple, which is notorious for its secrecy. Seeing the device fully unboxed weeks before its official announcement is a gift to tech fans and an irritation to Apple’s PR team. For enthusiasts, it provides clarity: those hoping for wild design shifts will need to temper expectations, but those waiting on power gains can feel reassured that Apple has delivered.

Of course, it is worth remembering that this is still unofficial information. Until Apple steps on stage later this month, everything we know comes from one leaked source. That said, early indications point to a generation that doubles down on raw performance while keeping the same trusted form factor. For pros and creatives considering whether an iPad Pro can replace their laptop, the M5 looks like Apple’s strongest case yet.

In the end, the leaked unboxing is both a spoiler and a promise. The spoiler is clear: don’t expect a dramatic redesign. But the promise is equally clear: the M5 iPad Pro is shaping up to be Apple’s most powerful tablet yet, designed to handle the heaviest workloads without breaking a sweat.