The next iPad Pro is slated for a spring 2027 release. Apple does not plan to release a new iPad Pro in 2026; the current generation—the M5-powered, OLED iPad Pro was released in October 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Processor: Either an M6 or an M7 chip.
- Cooling: A new vapor chamber cooling system to boost sustained performance.
- Sizes: Continued 11-inch and 13-inch display options.
- The current iPad Pro, released October 2025, runs on Apple’s M5 chip.
- No iPad Pro refresh is expected for the remainder of 2026.
- The next generation is currently reported for spring 2027, likely with an M6 or M7 chip.
- Apple is reportedly testing four new iPad Pro models for that release window.
- No major design changes are expected, with Apple focusing on internal performance upgrades.
Pro Tip
Don’t wait for the next iPad Pro unless you really need the latest features. If your current device meets your needs, you can wait. But if you need an iPad now for work or study, the current iPad Pro is still a great choice.
What We Know About the Next iPad Pro
Supply chain reports from Bloomberg indicate Apple is currently testing four new iPad Pro models slated for release in spring 2027, alongside a redesigned entry level MacBook Pro. This next generation Pro is expected to use either the M6 or M7 chip, both built on a newer 2 nanometer manufacturing process that should bring meaningful gains in speed and power efficiency.
Reports also point to a vapor chamber cooling system being tested for the new models, a feature Apple already introduced in its iPhone 17 Pro line, which would help the chip sustain higher performance for longer without overheating. Beyond the chip and cooling upgrades, no major design overhaul is currently expected for this generation.
Why There Is No New iPad Pro in 2026
Apple typically updates the iPad Pro roughly every twelve to eighteen months, and the current model is still relatively fresh, having only launched in October 2025 with the M5 chip. Rather than rushing another refresh within the same year, Apple appears to be spacing this update out to align with its next major chip generation.
In the meantime, Apple has made a notable change to pricing rather than hardware, raising the cost of the current iPad Pro lineup in June 2026, with the 11 inch model increasing to around 1,199 dollars and the 13 inch model to around 1,499 dollars.
Should You Buy an iPad Pro Now or Wait?
Reasons to Buy Now
If you need a tablet for work, study, or creative tasks today, the current M5 iPad Pro is still a genuinely capable device and sits roughly at the midpoint of its expected lifecycle, meaning it will remain well supported for several years to come.
Reasons to Wait
If your priority is getting the newest possible chip and the longest support window, and your current device is still functional, it may be worth waiting for the spring 2027 refresh, particularly since the performance jump from M5 to M6 or M7 is expected to be meaningful.
A Middle Ground Worth Considering
If you only need the device temporarily, for a single project, event, or short term contract, buying now may not make sense at all. In these situations, many businesses instead choose to explore renting an iPad Pro so they get access to current hardware without committing to a purchase right before a new generation arrives.
iPad Pro vs iPad Air: A Narrowing Gap
Part of the reason the iPad Pro release timeline matters less for some buyers is that Apple’s iPad Air has been closing the gap between the two lines. With the Air expected to gain an OLED display in its own future update, many of the features that once justified the Pro’s price premium are becoming available further down the range.
If you are trying to decide which model actually suits your needs rather than just chasing the newest release, our comparison on choosing the best Apple iPad breaks down the practical differences between the current Pro, Air, and standard iPad models.
What About the Foldable iPad Rumors?
Longer term reports also point to a foldable iPad in Apple’s pipeline, though most current reporting suggests this is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 given ongoing development challenges around weight and display durability. This is a separate project from the standard iPad Pro refresh and should not be confused with the spring 2027 release discussed above.
Rent Tech Devices for Business Events and Professional Use
How This Compares to Apple’s Other Release Timelines
Apple’s product cycles rarely move in isolation, and if you are also tracking other upcoming Apple releases, our coverage of the iPhone 18 Pro launch timeline covers a similar pattern of staggered chip generations across Apple’s lineup.
Final Thoughts
If you were hoping the new iPad Pro was just around the corner, the honest answer is that you have a bit of a wait ahead, with spring 2027 currently the most likely release window. In the meantime, the current M5 model remains a strong option, and for anyone with a short term or temporary need, renting rather than buying is worth a serious look while the timeline plays out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a new iPad Pro in 2026?
Current reporting indicates no new iPad Pro is planned for the remainder of 2026, with the next refresh expected in spring 2027 instead.
What chip will the next iPad Pro use?
Reports point to either the M6 or M7 chip, both built on a newer 2 nanometer process, though it is not yet confirmed which one Apple will use at launch.
Is the current iPad Pro still worth buying?
Yes, for most users. The M5 iPad Pro launched in October 2025 and sits around the midpoint of its typical lifecycle, so it will remain well supported and capable for several years.
Will the next iPad Pro have a new design?
Current reports do not indicate a major design change for the spring 2027 models, with Apple instead focusing on internal chip and cooling upgrades.
Is it better to buy or rent an iPad Pro right now?
If you need long term daily use, buying the current model still makes sense. For short term projects, events, or temporary needs, renting is often the more practical and cost effective choice.