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Apple’s new iPad Pro M5 may look familiar on the outside — but inside, it’s an absolute beast. With the lightning-fast M5 chip, a neural engine built for AI apps, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, this is Apple’s most capable tablet yet.
But here’s the secret every pro user knows: the magic of the iPad isn’t in the specs — it’s in the accessories.
The right setup transforms the iPad Pro M5 from a slick touchscreen into a full creative studio, mobile workstation, or entertainment hub. Below are 10 accessories that help you unlock every ounce of power from Apple’s latest iPad — starting with the one that makes all the others possible.
1. ZUGU 360 Case — The Foundation of Every Great Setup
Before you even think about adding keyboards or hubs, you need protection that actually performs. The ZUGU 360 Case is designed for the M4 and M5 generations and is more than just a shell — it’s a workstation in disguise.
- Full 360° rotation for both portrait and landscape modes.
- Magnetic stability for mounting to metal surfaces (like desks, fridges, or whiteboards).
- Multiple stand angles for drawing, typing, or watching.
- Drop-tested fiberglass construction that protects without adding bulk.
If you plan to use your iPad as your daily driver, this is where your setup begins. A stable, durable base makes every other accessory better.
2. Apple Magic Keyboard — Laptop Comfort Meets Tablet Simplicity
The Magic Keyboard remains one of Apple’s most refined accessories. Its scissor-switch keys, integrated trackpad, and magnetic floating design turn your iPad Pro M5 into a mini MacBook.
It’s ideal for writers, students, and remote professionals who need laptop-like ergonomics without losing tablet flexibility. Pair it with the ZUGU 360 Case when you need extra viewing angles or want to go keyboard-free.
3. Apple Pencil 2 (USB-C) — The Precision Tool for Creators
Apple’s Pencil 2 continues to be the most important accessory for artists and designers. On the iPad Pro M5’s tandem OLED display, the experience feels nearly analog — with imperceptible lag, pressure sensitivity, and tilt control.
Keep it charged and safe using the ZUGU 360 Case’s built-in Pencil holder, which secures magnetically while maintaining the M5’s charging connection.
4. USB-C Hub — Expand Your Creative Power
The M5’s Thunderbolt 4 port supports external monitors, drives, and cameras — but one port can’t handle it all. A compact USB-C hub lets you expand your setup with:
- HDMI output (for external displays or projectors)
- SD card and microSD slots (for photographers)
- Extra USB-A ports (for peripherals)
- Pass-through power delivery
Belkin, Anker, and Satechi make reliable options designed specifically for the iPad Pro.
5. External SSD — Portable, Fast, and Essential
With apps like Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Affinity Designer now running natively on iPadOS, external storage is a must.
Choose a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 SSD, like the Samsung T9 or SanDisk Extreme Pro. You’ll get read/write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s — perfect for video editing and large design files.
6. MagSafe Charger or Stand — Always Ready to Go
Charging convenience is crucial when you’re working on the go. A MagSafe-compatible stand or charger keeps your iPad upright and powered, allowing you to edit or present with ease.
The ZUGU 360 Case’s magnetic back is strong enough to mount to compatible stands, giving you both power and perfect viewing angles in one clean setup.
7. Bluetooth Mouse or Trackpad — MacBook-Level Control
iPadOS has come a long way with pointer support. Pair a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, and your iPad instantly feels like a lightweight desktop.
You’ll get multi-touch gestures, precision control for photo editing, and a smoother experience in productivity apps like Notion, Excel, or Figma.
8. Matte Screen Protector — A Paper-Like Drawing Surface
If you’re an illustrator or note-taker, a matte screen protector changes everything. It reduces glare and adds just enough texture to make the Apple Pencil feel like graphite on paper.
It’s one of those small upgrades that dramatically improves creative comfort — especially when used with the ZUGU 360 Case’s stable drawing base.
9. Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Focus Mode, Upgraded
Whether you’re editing audio, attending virtual meetings, or just tuning out distractions, a pair of good noise-cancelling headphones turns your iPad into a productivity cocoon.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 or Sony’s WH-1000XM5 both integrate perfectly with the iPad Pro M5’s ecosystem and support Spatial Audio for an immersive creative experience.
10. Portable Power Bank — Stay Charged Anywhere
Even with excellent battery life, intensive creative work can quickly drain your iPad. A high-capacity USB-C PD power bank (like the Anker 737 PowerCore) ensures your M5 stays charged through long flights or field sessions.
Pair it with the ZUGU Case’s magnetic mount, and you can even charge while your iPad is propped upright — a small touch that makes a big difference when you’re mobile.
Accessories Make the M5 Unstoppable
The iPad Pro M5 isn’t just Apple’s most powerful tablet — it’s a device that adapts to whatever you need it to be. With the right accessories, it can replace your laptop, your sketchbook, and your workstation all at once. Build your ecosystem around it — and discover how powerful the iPad Pro M5 can really be.