The upcoming iPad Pro's most significant update is expected to be something other than its M5 chip.

The latest M5 iPad Pro is an incremental upgrade that many users can likely skip. The main highlight is a new internal cellular chip, marking a significant strategic shift in Apple's ongoing competition with Qualcomm.

Similar to the updated MacBooks, the M5 iPad Pro was quietly released with a processor upgrade. Apple analyst Mark Gurman noted only "modest improvements" beyond the M5. The M4 iPad Pro is already very powerful, and Gurman suggests users upgrading from that model will likely see no difference in everyday use.

The most notable change for industry observers is the new in-house C1X cellular modem, replacing the previous third-party component. It also features a new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and enhanced external display support, though these are minor upgrades.

Why should consumers care about a modem? Probably not, but it's important to Apple. The "third-party component" was supplied by Qualcomm, and Apple and Qualcomm have a long history of patent and licensing disputes.

Apple prefers not to rely on other companies for essential components, especially a rival like Qualcomm. For years, Apple has invested heavily in designing its own modems to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, manage costs, and integrate its technology. The C1X modem, first appearing in an iPad, represents a key step in Apple's vertical integration strategy.

This update is a very typical Apple move. It's a major business and engineering achievement for them, but largely insignificant for most users. Gurman states that "Apple’s switch to in-house components may make business sense, but we’re not at the point where the experience is changing noticeably."

He also notes that "most iPad buyers opt for the Wi-Fi only option anyway," making the new chip irrelevant for most customers. The real test will be when these internal modems are integrated into the iPhone, where performance is critical. For now, it is a quiet, strategic first step.