The iPad Pro’s Next Chip: Overkill or Obsolete?
Apple’s M5 Chip for the iPad Pro: Overkill or Irrelevant?
The tech world is constantly pushing for more powerful devices. A few years ago, the idea of a smartphone with 24GB of RAM seemed excessive. Now, 16GB is becoming standard, and 24GB may soon be the norm, driven by the increasing demand for AI-powered features that are extremely memory-intensive. This trend raises the question: are we reaching a point of diminishing returns? This article explores this question in the context of Apple’s upcoming M5 chip for the iPad Pro.
The Power of the M4 and the Promise of the M5
The iPad Pro, particularly with its M4 chip, is already a powerhouse. The expectation is that the M5 chip will offer significant improvements in speed, power, and efficiency. This naturally leads to the "overkill" question: is the M5’s increased power simply more than what’s needed?
Image credit – PhoneArena
The M5’s capabilities are, however, apparently not as revolutionary as initially speculated. While it’s definitely more powerful than the M4, the upgrade might not be as significant as some had hoped.
What to Expect from the M5 Chip
Reports suggest Apple will continue using TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process for the M5, unlike the anticipated leap to the more advanced 2nm technology.
Understanding Nanometers (nm) in Chip Manufacturing:
The "nm" (nanometer) in chip manufacturing refers to the size of the transistors within the processor. Lower nm values generally mean smaller, more efficient transistors, resulting in faster speeds and reduced power consumption. Although the nm measurement is a useful indicator of technological advancement, advancements in chip architecture and design constantly evolve. This means simple mm numbers aren’t telling the whole story.
Despite sticking with 3nm technology, Apple is employing a new assembly technique to stack more circuit layers. This innovative approach should translate to performance improvements and enhanced energy efficiency, even without a switch to 2nm.
Image credit – PhoneArena
The choice to remain with 3nm fabrication might stem from cost considerations, possibly including tariffs. However, the increased circuit layers in the new assembly method seem to compensate for the decision and potentially deliver surprising results.
To summarize the probable M5 performance: the M5 will indeed outperform the M4. However, the performance increase won’t be such a massive leap that it makes the M4 seem antiquated.
Image credit – PhoneArena
The Diminishing Returns of "Overkill"
Apple has built a reputation for creating exceptionally powerful products. However, repeatedly claiming to produce the "most powerful" can lead to a diminishing of impact. The 2024 iPad Pro (with the M4 chip) is already incredibly powerful and will likely remain relevant for several years. This makes the incremental improvements of the M5 seem less compelling, especially in terms of justificiation of the cost.
Image credit – PhoneArena
Many users still find older iPad Pro models (with A12Z and M1 chips) perfectly adequate for their needs, showcasing the longevity of Apple’s silicon. These older models are also significantly more affordable than the latest models with M4 or the forthcoming M5 chip.
Past Reviews Highlight This Sentiment
We previously reviewed the 2024 iPad Pro (M4) and concluded that, if you already own an M1 iPad Pro, an upgrade might not be essential. Upgrades might be beneficial only if you desire factors besides performance increases, such as a new, thinner chassis, refined accessories, or an updated Apple Pencil, e.g., with the hover feature.
Therefore, while the iPad Pro with the M5 chip undoubtedly will have its own fanbase, one must question whether the dramatic performance enhancement justifies the premium price. An older, more readily available model may be better for the average user. Before making a purchase decision, comparing the M4 and M5 specs is highly recommended.
