Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years

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
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

Popular Stories

apple price hike

Apple Just Increased Prices on MacBooks, iPads, and More

Thursday June 25, 2026 5:44 am PDT by
Apple today dramatically increased device prices across multiple product lines. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. After temporarily taking it down earlier today, Apple's online store is back up with a series of product price increases. The changes are as follows: HomePod mini: $129, up from $99 (+$30) HomePod: $349, up from $299 (+$50) Apple TV: $199, up from...
iphone x flexible oled display

Apple Plans Wider Color Gamut for Future MacBook Pro, iMac, and iPad Pro

Monday June 29, 2026 6:35 am PDT by
Apple plans to adopt OLED panels capable of displaying a much wider range of colors, according to a new report from research firm TrendForce. The new panels would cover 95% of the BT.2020 color standard, which describes a far broader spectrum of colors than the DCI-P3 standard Apple's screens currently target. In practice, that means deeper, more accurate reds, greens, and blues. Reaching...
m5 ipad pro

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro in Spring 2027

Wednesday July 1, 2026 2:17 pm PDT by
Apple is planning to release new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models in spring 2027, reports Bloomberg. No major design changes are expected, with Apple focusing on internal upgrades. The iPad Pro models could use either M6 chips or M7 chips. Apple will introduce the M6 chip as soon as this year in an updated 14-inch MacBook Pro model, but it is aiming to release the M7 chip in the first...

Top Rated Comments

justiny Avatar
20 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
20 weeks ago
I still have my M1 iPad Pro. Probably will be good until the M7
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
20 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)
20 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)
20 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
20 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)