Is the $1299 M5 iPad Pro Really Worth It?

Picture this: It's 2026, and the iPad lineup looks more like a buffet with a thousand-dollar spread between the appetizers and the main course. You've got the A16 iPad for a modest $299, and at the other end, the M5 iPad Pro /article/m5-pro-paradox-apple-middling-chip-nobody-needs feasting on your wallet at $1299. The burning question isn't about the Pro's quality—it's a known quantity. The real debate is whether it's worth the price, especially when the M3 iPad Air, starting at $799, offers much of the same day-to-day experience.

The iPad Lineup: A Pricing Puzzle

Apple's iPad range in 2026 is as clear as a foggy morning. The A16 iPad and the M5 iPad Pro bookend a spectrum that includes the niche iPad Mini and the M3 iPad Air, which comes in 11 and 13-inch sizes. The latter two have become nearly indistinguishable to the average consumer, save for a $500 starting price difference attributed to the M5 chip and some other Pro-level hardware.

In a landscape where iPadOS 26 democratizes the experience across models, the question looms: Who really needs the Pro? As the video points out, "So a few years ago, the iPad purchasing decision was a little bit easier because the Pro was a Pro and then everything else kind of followed suit."

Performance vs. Price: The Geekbench Scores

Looking under the hood, the M5 iPad Pro flexes its muscles with Geekbench scores in the range of 4100 for single-core and up to 16,500 for multi-core. The M3 iPad Air isn't far behind, posting around 3000 and 11,700, respectively. The takeaway? You're getting roughly 75% of the Pro's power with the Air, which begs the question of just how much juice do you really need from an iPad?

For most users, the M3's performance will suffice. "As long as you have an M series chip in there, you should be future-proofed and good to go," notes the video. Yet, the M5 Pro's allure lies in its display—a stunning OLED with 120 Hz ProMotion technology. Is a better display worth $500? That's a personal call.

Beyond the Basics: Accessories and Add-Ons

The base price of $1299 for the M5 Pro is just the beginning. Factor in the Apple Pencil Pro ($100-$130) and the Magic Keyboard ($350), and you're quickly approaching the $1800 mark. At this point, you might wonder if bundling a MacBook Air with an M3 iPad Air isn't a more sensible choice.

The Pro does come with conveniences like Face ID, a quad-speaker system, and a Thunderbolt port, which could sway professionals who need robust data transfer capabilities. "If you are somebody that works with a lot of data, external SSDs, and you're moving stuff around all the time, that Thunderbolt port is going to be extremely convenient," the video explains.

Who Really Needs the M5 iPad Pro?

The ideal M5 Pro user is a professional who uses the iPad as their primary computer, leveraging its power for video editing, multitasking, or creative work. For them, the M5's capabilities justify the cost. The video creator himself admits, "I just want the best of the best. I use it every single day."

However, for students, casual users, or those who primarily stream media, the M3 iPad Air is more than adequate. It offers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it the recommended choice for most.

The Future of Apple's iPad Lineup

As iPadOS continues to blur the lines between models, one has to wonder what Apple's ultimate strategy is. Could these devices be testbeds for future innovations, like a foldable iPhone? Apple has certainly changed the iPad game with iPadOS 26, but as the video suggests, "Are they using that iPadOS 26 as a testing ground for what this new foldable iPhone is going to be like?"

Ultimately, whether the M5 iPad Pro is worth it comes down to individual needs and priorities. The market will decide if Apple's current pricing strategy is sustainable or if the balance between performance and value will shift yet again.

By Marcus Chen-Ramirez