If you’ve been eyeing the cutting-edge power of Apple’s latest tablet but were waiting for a sign to pull the trigger, your moment has arrived. In a move that’s surprised early adopters, the brand-new 13-inch iPad Pro with the powerful M5 chip has just received its first-ever price cut on Amazon, slashing a solid $50 off its retail price.
The newest member of the iPad Pro family, which landed on virtual and physical shelves less than two weeks ago, is already seeing a welcome markdown. The 256GB Wi-Fi model in both Black and Silver finishes is now available for $949, down from its original $999 price tag. For a device this new and this powerful, any discount is a notable event.
What’s the Big Deal with the M5 iPad Pro?
At its core, the latest iPad Pro is a spec-bump in the purest sense. It succeeds the revolutionary M4 model, refining an already stellar formula. The headline upgrade is, of course, the new M5 chip. While Apple promises modest CPU improvements over the M4, the real story is the genuinely impressive GPU gains, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a device this thin and light.
But the upgrades don't stop at the processor. This new iteration adds support for blisteringly fast WiFi 7, allows for buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rates on external displays, and features even faster SSD storage. In day-to-day use, performance is exactly what you’d expect from an iPad Pro: effortlessly fast, incredibly snappy, and capable of handling almost any creative or professional workload you can throw at it. Paired with the stunning tandem OLED display that offers unparalleled contrast and brightness, the hardware itself leaves virtually no room for complaint.
For those ready to experience this new level of performance, you can find this first-ever discount on the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB) right now on Amazon. Check the deal here to see if it's still active.
A Powerhouse, But Not Without Its Caveats
Our in-depth review of the M5 iPad Pro paints a largely positive picture, though a couple of familiar complaints for the Pro line linger. There’s no doubt that iPadOS 18 is one of the most significant updates the platform has ever seen, bringing long-requested features like a more versatile Calculator app and enhanced customization.
However, the age-old question of software support remains. For certain pro-level workflows that could easily take advantage of the M5's raw, untapped performance, the app ecosystem can still feel hit or miss. Furthermore, the total cost of ownership is a crucial factor. The tablet's price skyrockets when kitted out with essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, leading some to justifiably wonder if a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro might be a more practical and powerful investment for their needs.
The Verdict: Who Should Grab This Early Deal?
So, is the new M5 iPad Pro worth it, especially with this new discount?
The answer is a resounding yes for a specific user. This tablet is an undeniable marvel for artists, designers, and note-takers who can fully leverage the touchscreen and the sublime Apple Pencil Pro. It’s a mobile studio and an entertainment powerhouse rolled into one incredibly sleek package.
While more substantial discounts are almost certainly on the horizon in the coming months—think Black Friday or Prime Day deals—this first-ever price cut is a perfect opportunity for those who need this top-tier tech now. Saving a nice chunk of change on a device that just launched is always a win.
If you’re in the market for the absolute best tablet Apple offers and your workflow is built around the iPadOS environment, this early Amazon deal is an excellent starting point. Just be sure to consider the total cost of the ecosystem before you commit.
Disclaimer: This is a limited-time offer from Amazon and the price may change or return to normal at any time. Our website may receive a commission from purchases made through the linked product.