A logistics error at Apple likely caused the recent leak of the M5 iPad Pro.

Tech leaks are common, but a complete review of an unreleased Apple product is unusual. For the second consecutive year, this has occurred. Following a similar incident involving the M4 MacBook Pro, the upcoming M5 iPad Pro has been unboxed, tested, and reviewed on Russian YouTube channels.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple stocks warehouses globally with new products before launch. Some M5 iPad Pro units were reportedly stolen from a European depot and obtained by content creators.

The videos validate expectations of a modest upgrade, primarily the transition from the M4 to the M5 chip. A rumored second front-facing camera was absent in the leaked units, though Gurman believes it was in internal test models, potentially indicating a late decision by Apple to remove it.

For Apple, known for secrecy, this supply chain breach is a setback, diminishing the impact of launch events. While their hardware remains excellent, these leaks allow competitors like Samsung to prepare. The Galaxy Tab S series is strong, and if the M5 iPad Pro is perceived as a minor update, it could attract customers to Samsung.

The leak suggests that recent iPad Pro owners may not need to upgrade and that waiting for the M5 might not be worthwhile if an M4 model is available at a good price. For a company that depends on excitement, major reveals happening in a video rather than at a keynote is a significant issue.

This situation highlights the complexities of global product launches and how issues can arise even for large companies like Apple. This is a security breakdown, raising questions about their supply chain management.

Based on the leaks, purchasing the M5 iPad Pro may not be necessary. While the performance increase to M5 is welcome, it does not seem substantial. For those with an M2 or M4 iPad Pro, this may not be a worthwhile upgrade. The new model appears targeted at users with older iPads or those new to pro-tablets.