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Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years

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Apple's iPad Pro is likely to be left for years without a major update, according to a reliable leaker.

iPad Pro M4 Silver and Space Black Feature 1
The Weibo-based leaker, known as "Instant Digital," says that the ‌iPad Pro‌ will not have a major update for a prolonged period of time. The cost of the OLED panel now used in the device is unlikely to come down in price and the last major redesign apparently did not significantly stimulate sales growth.

While Apple may maintain a regular iteration cycle with the device, it apparently has no intention of pursuing significant upgrades such as ultra-slim borders around the display, the likes of which are available on rival high-end tablets.

In 2024, Apple introduced the first major redesign of the device since 2018. Apple added the M5 chip to it in October 2025, along with some minor connectivity upgrades.

The ‌iPad Pro‌ is likely to gain the M6 chip and iPhone 17 Pro-style vapor chamber cooling at some point toward the end of 2026 or in 2027, but there have been no other rumors about the future of the product line.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Tag: Instant Digital
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

justiny Avatar
justiny
6 weeks ago
If Apple continues to restrict iPadOS, there's no reason to upgrade these things (especially the Pros) every year.

My M1 iPad Pro remains fantastic. Battery is starting to rot a bit, but I'll replace that soon and keep moving along.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TMRJIJ Avatar
TMRJIJ
6 weeks ago
I still have my M1 iPad Pro. Probably will be good until the M7
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
orbital~debris
6 weeks ago

In 2024, Apple introduced the first major redesign of the device since 2018. Apple added the M5 chip to it in October 2025, along with some minor connectivity upgrades.
So in other words, it sounds like Apple are simply maintaining the current pace of major design changes, which has been in effect since 2018.

Given the refined strength of iPad Pro's design in its current state, iterating with processor upgrades in the intervening time period until the next major redesign seems to be a strong strategy (something of an 'if it ain't broke…' strategy).
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
Jamie0003
6 weeks ago

This is definitely just me, but with the upcoming iPhone Fold and Touchscreen MacBook, I wouldn’t mind Apple ditching the iPad entirely
Be careful what you wish for. Do you really want a phone that can be scratched with your fingernail?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
redmac
6 weeks ago

This is definitely just me, but with the upcoming iPhone Fold and Touchscreen MacBook, I wouldn’t mind Apple ditching the iPad entirely
You're right, it's just you.

I'm pretty sure retail businesses can't replace iPads with iPhone Folds or touchscreen MacBooks. I also think families can't hand their young children any of those devices. Replacing a cheap, indestructible, easy to learn, easy to use device with more complex, super expensive and easily breakable devices won't work for 95% of iPad owners.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Z∆K Avatar
Z∆K
6 weeks ago
I'd be happy with a reduction in hardware. As an artist I only use my 2020 iPad Pro 12.9in for animation work. I've never used the camera. I'd like to see them iterate on software rather than hardware. Yes, upgrade the chip/RAM please. but I'm fine with zero design changes. I actually like the bevels because that space provides a margin while I'm holding the iPad as I draw.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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