So, you're staring at your current tablet, wondering if it's finally time to pull the trigger on a new one. I get it. The tech world moves fast, and nobody wants to spend over a thousand bucks only to see a shiny new version drop three months later. If you’re asking when is the next iPad Pro coming out, the answer is actually a lot clearer than it was a year ago, but it might not be the news your wallet wanted to hear.
Apple just refreshed the lineup.
Honestly, the October 2025 launch of the M5 iPad Pro changed the entire timeline. If you were expecting a new "Pro" model in early 2026, you can probably take a breather. Apple usually sticks to an 18-month cycle for their high-end tablets. They don't just churn these out every twelve months like they do with iPhones.
The Realistic Timeline for the Next iPad Pro
Looking at the data and supply chain whispers from folks like Mark Gurman, we aren't looking at a refresh until Spring 2027.
Yeah, that’s a bit of a wait.
Apple tends to oscillate between Spring and Fall releases for the Pro. Since the M4 model arrived in May 2024 and the M5 landed in October 2025, the math points directly toward a March or April 2027 window. That’s roughly 17 to 18 months from now.
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It’s a long time in tech years.
But there’s a reason for the gap. The M5 chip is already a beast. It’s built on a refined 3nm process that basically handles AI tasks better than most laptops. Apple doesn't feel the pressure to update the "Pro" hardware until they have a significant chip jump—like the rumored M6—ready to go.
What about 2026?
Don't expect much for the Pro in 2026.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be the "Year of the Mid-Range." We are hearing heavy rumors about a new iPad Air with the M4 chip coming in the first half of the year. There is also a lot of noise about the iPad mini 8 finally getting an OLED screen and an A19 Pro chip late in 2026.
If you absolutely need the "best" and you're waiting for a 2026 Pro, you might end up disappointed. The Pro is likely sitting this year out while the Air and Mini play catch-up with OLED and better silicon.
Why the M5 Model is the One to Get Right Now
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the current M5 iPad Pro.
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Some people call it a "spec bump," but that’s kinda downplaying it. The M5 introduced the N1 networking chip. That means Wi-Fi 7. If you’ve got a router that supports it, the speed difference is actually noticeable.
Then there’s the AI stuff.
Apple is leaning hard into "Apple Intelligence." The M5 has a 16-core Neural Engine that is significantly faster than the M4. If you’re doing heavy video masking in DaVinci Resolve or using the new Image Playground features, the current Pro is already overkill for most people.
Key Features of the Current Generation (M5):
- M5 Chip: 10-core GPU with a dedicated Neural Accelerator.
- Display: Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED) remains the gold standard.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and a faster C1X 5G modem.
- Design: Still incredibly thin—5.1mm for the 13-inch model.
Basically, Apple solved the biggest hardware complaint (the screen) back in 2024 with the M4. The M5 just added the brains and the faster radios.
What We Might See in 2027
When we eventually get to the next iPad Pro launch, what’s left to change?
The design is already so thin it’s bordering on structural anxiety. However, supply chain reports suggest Apple is experimenting with Vapor Chamber cooling.
Right now, iPads are thin slabs of aluminum that dissipate heat through the back casing. If they want to put an M6 or M7 chip in there and actually let it run at full speed for more than ten minutes, they need better thermal management. A vapor chamber would be a game-changer for pro gamers and 3D renders.
There is also the "Foldable iPad" rumor.
Don't hold your breath for that being the "next" Pro. Most analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, think a foldable tablet—essentially a giant screen that folds into a laptop shape—is a 2028 project. For now, the standard slab is what you’re getting.
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Is it Worth Waiting?
Honestly, probably not.
If you wait for the "next" one, you’re looking at a 2027 release date. If your current iPad is dying, or you're still rocking an old A-series chip, the jump to the M5 is massive.
The only reason to wait through 2026 is if you are hoping for a price drop on the current models or if you’ve decided that a 13-inch iPad Air (coming in early 2026) is "Pro enough" for your needs.
Actionable Advice for Buyers:
- Need it for work now? Buy the M5 iPad Pro. It’s future-proof for at least 5 years.
- On a budget? Wait for the M4 iPad Air in Spring 2026. It’ll give you 90% of the Pro experience for hundreds less.
- Want the "Next Big Thing"? Bookmark Spring 2027. That’s when the M6 Pro with improved cooling will likely surface.
The "iPad Pro cycle" has slowed down. It's not a race anymore; it's a marathon. Apple knows they have the most powerful tablet on the market, and they aren't in a rush to replace a machine that already outperforms most people's needs.