Step 1: Configure performance profiles and storage
After unboxing the M5 iPad Pro, dive into Settings → Battery and enable the new Adaptive Performance toggle to let iPadOS allocate more wattage to the M5 GPU during creative sessions. Source Pair this with a review of the Storage panel, which now surfaces AI Model Cache usage to help you prune large language model downloads and free up space for ProRes video or 3D assets. Source Creators who need terabytes of footage should consider Apple’s 4TB configuration or supplement with Thunderbolt 4 SSDs connected through the revamped Magic Keyboard. Source
For background on how Apple positions the M5 generation across devices, revisit our coverage of the MacBook Pro debut. See what the MacBook gains If you’re transitioning from an older tablet, our buyers guide on the M5 MacBook Pro versus M4 models offers perspective on Apple’s performance uplift philosophy. Compare Apple’s M-series upgrades And to understand the ecosystem stakes, check out our Vision Pro 2 rumor tracker. Track Apple’s headset roadmap
Step 2: Optimize display and accessory workflows
Take advantage of the Tandem Ultra OLED panel by customizing reference modes in Settings → Display & Brightness → Reference Mode, enabling Rec. 2020 or DCI-P3 depending on your project. Source Enable the Adaptive Color Profiles feature to let ambient sensors adjust tone mapping for accurate color grading. Source
Attach the updated Magic Keyboard to unlock desktop-class shortcuts and a larger haptic trackpad. Map shortcuts in Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts, and assign macros to the new Apple Pencil Pro side button via Settings → Apple Pencil. Source For spatial video projects destined for visionOS, enable Spatial Capture in the Camera app and review footage on a Vision Pro headset to ensure parallax accuracy. Source
Step 3: Build AI-accelerated creative pipelines
The M5 iPad Pro’s 55 TOPS Neural Engine can now host on-device diffusion models. Install Apple’s new Core ML Gallery app to download optimized text-to-image workflows, then run them in offline mode through the Shortcuts app for privacy. Source In Final Cut Pro for iPad, enable Live Scene Composer to automatically mask subjects and generate adaptive lighting within seconds. Source Audio engineers can use Logic Pro’s Auto Mix assistant to balance tracks locally without cloud processing. Source
Enhance productivity with Stage Manager’s expanded external display support. Connect to an 8K monitor via Thunderbolt and configure up to four app windows while leaving the iPad display for Apple Pencil work. Source If your workload spans Mac and iPad, use Universal Control to drag assets between devices instantly. Source
Step 4: Secure and maintain performance
Enable Face ID with attention awareness and turn on Advanced Data Protection in iCloud to encrypt your AI project libraries. Source In Settings → Privacy & Security, audit which apps access the Neural Engine or camera APIs. Toggle the new Model Access Reports to track how third-party tools use on-device AI acceleration. Source
Schedule weekly maintenance: clear the AI Model Cache, archive completed Final Cut Pro libraries to external storage, and calibrate the Tandem Ultra OLED panel using Apple’s built-in Display Calibration utility. Source For resilience, keep Time Machine snapshots on a connected SSD or leverage our multicloud ML pipeline guide to back up to multiple providers. Adopt hybrid backups
Step 5: Extend the ecosystem
Pair the iPad Pro with Vision Pro for immersive playback of Spatial Video projects and take advantage of Apple’s new shared SceneKit templates to prototype experiences quickly. Source Use Sidecar to turn the iPad into a reference monitor when editing on a MacBook Pro, and rely on Continuity Camera to bring the tablet’s upgraded 12MP ultrawide camera into Mac video calls. Source
To stay current on Apple’s pro hardware roadmap, bookmark our ongoing coverage of the company’s M-series devices. Track Apple’s silicon journey Keep watch on Vision Pro developments through our news desk updates. Follow the latest headset signals And if you need financing tips for new gear, our guide to automation investment planning covers budgeting strategies. Optimize your automation spend
By configuring performance settings, embracing AI-enabled apps, and securing your workflow, you’ll unlock the full potential of the M5 iPad Pro across mobile, desktop, and spatial computing experiences.