The upcoming iPad M5 has been fully revealed through leaked Geekbench benchmarks and unboxing details, showing impressive performance gains while maintaining the same dimensions as the iPad M4. The device features a 9-core M5 chipset running at 4.42 GHz with 12GB RAM and ships with iPadOS 26, plus an adapter and cable included in the box.
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iPad M5 Geekbench Performance Scores
The leaked Geekbench results showcase significant performance improvements over the M4 generation. The M5 chipset features a unique 3 efficiency + 6 performance core configuration running at 4.42 GHz, delivering substantial single-core and multi-core processing power alongside impressive GPU capabilities through Metal API testing.
| Benchmark | iPad M5 Score | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Single-Core | 4,133 | 9-core (3 efficiency + 6 performance) |
| CPU Multi-Core | 15,437 | 4.42 GHz clock speed |
| GPU (Metal) | 74,568 | 9-core M5 GPU |
| RAM | 12GB | Increased from base M4 models |
| OS | iPadOS 26.0 | Next-generation OS |
M5 Chipset Architecture Breakdown
The M5 chip features 9 cores total with an asymmetric configuration: 3 efficiency cores for background tasks and power management, plus 6 performance cores for demanding workloads. This differs from typical chip designs and suggests Apple is prioritizing sustained performance over power efficiency in this generation.
The 4.42 GHz clock speed represents a notable frequency increase, contributing to the strong single-core score of 4,133 points. The multi-core score of 15,437 demonstrates excellent parallel processing capabilities for professional applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex multitasking scenarios.
GPU Performance Leap
The 9-core M5 GPU achieves 74,568 points in the Metal benchmark, indicating substantial graphics processing improvements. This performance boost benefits creative professionals working with graphics-intensive applications, gaming enthusiasts, and users running machine learning workloads requiring GPU acceleration.
The Metal score suggests the iPad M5 can handle demanding tasks like 4K video editing with multiple effects layers, 3D modeling with complex geometries, and high-end gaming titles without performance compromises.
12GB RAM Standard Configuration
The inclusion of 12GB RAM represents a significant upgrade from the M4 iPad Pro’s base 8GB configuration. This increased memory capacity improves multitasking capabilities, allows more apps to remain active in memory, and enhances performance in memory-intensive professional applications.
The additional RAM particularly benefits users running multiple demanding apps simultaneously, working with large files in creative applications, or utilizing iPadOS 26.0’s advanced multitasking features.
Same Dimensions, Enhanced Package
Despite the internal performance upgrades, the iPad M5 maintains identical dimensions to the M4 model, allowing compatibility with existing accessories like Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil. The inclusion of an adapter and cable in the box adds value, though specific connector types weren’t disclosed in the leak.
iPadOS 26.0 Integration
The device ships with iPadOS 26.0, suggesting Apple will unveil new operating system features optimized for the M5’s enhanced capabilities. This next-generation OS likely includes improved multitasking, enhanced AI features, and better professional app support.
FAQs
How much faster is the iPad M5 compared to M4?
Geekbench shows 4,133 single-core and 15,437 multi-core scores with 74,568 GPU performance.
Does the iPad M5 have the same design as M4?
Yes, identical dimensions to iPad M4, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories.
