Apple reportedly planning new iPad and MacBook Pro models for 2027

Apple is reportedly planning to release several new iPad Pro models and a new MacBook Pro in the first half of next year. According to a report from Bloomberg, the technology company is currently working on four models of the new tablet, which will feature faster chips. Alongside these tablets, Apple is also developing a new entry-level MacBook Pro. The outlet reported that this laptop is internally referred to under the codename K104.

The upcoming hardware releases are expected to debut alongside new silicon developments. Apple is targeting the first half of next year for the release of its M7 processor. This planned release window follows a previous hardware cycle; the last time Apple released an iPad Pro was in October of last year, meaning a new release would end a multi-month gap for the tablet line. More recently, in March, the company released a new high-end MacBook Pro as well as a budget laptop called the MacBook Neo. While the MacBook Neo uses the A18 chip—which was originally designed for the iPhone—this anticipated new MacBook is expected to be a full-fledged Pro.

These apparent product plans emerge during a broader transitional period for the technology company. Apple is currently preparing for a post-Tim Cook era, as the company preps for its future leadership after Cook’s tenure as CEO. At the same time, the company is navigating supply chain issues. According to CEO Tim Cook, these supply chain challenges have forced Apple to raise its prices, with some of these price hikes being substantial in certain cases.

The impact of these supply chain-driven price hikes has been substantial for consumers. For example, Apple recently adjusted the pricing for its high-end laptop configurations:

• The MacBook Pro with 1 terabyte of storage recently increased in price to $1,999.
• This represents a direct increase from its previous price of $1,699.

If the company is working on more budget-friendly laptops and tablets, this would be a good time to introduce them to the market. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for more information regarding these upcoming product plans.

Why it matters

Apple’s hardware roadmap suggests a strategy to balance high-end innovation with more accessible entry-level devices. This represents a necessary pivot as the company manages supply chain-driven price increases that threaten to push its premium devices out of reach for some consumers.