Apple Plans Three New iPads for Early 2027

Technology giant Apple is reportedly preparing three new tablet models for the first half of 2027. According to reports from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the upcoming release cycle will encompass an updated entry-level iPad, an OLED-equipped iPad Air, and a performance-focused iPad Pro.

Industry watchers note that the company has no plans to introduce any new tablets during the second half of 2027. This schedule follows the recent launch of the iPad mini in 2026, which arrived with an OLED display and the A20 Pro chip already integrated.

The upcoming hardware updates are designed to bring major improvements across the entire tablet range. Consumers and enterprise users alike look to these generational shifts for enhanced processing power, better display technologies, and longer device lifespans.

What to Expect from the Next Entry-Level iPad

The next iteration of the standard, entry-level iPad is expected to receive a substantial hardware overhaul. The current version, released in March 2025, features the A16 chip paired with 6GB of RAM. However, industry analysts point out that this memory configuration falls short of supporting Apple Intelligence features.

To resolve this constraint, the successor will reportedly incorporate the A19 processor along with 8GB of RAM. Internal software code discovered by researchers also points toward the inclusion of the N1 networking chip, which will enable Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for users.

For cellular configurations, the device is expected to adopt the C1X modem, providing support for sub-6GHz 5G networks. These additions will bring modern connectivity standards down to the most affordable tier of Apple tablets.

OLED Display Upgrades Coming to the iPad Air Line

The iPad Air family is set to undergo one of its most significant visual transformations to date. Previous models, including the iPad Air 11 and iPad Air 13 released in March 2026, rely on traditional 60Hz liquid crystal display panels, despite using the M4 chip and 12GB of RAM.

The upcoming successors will replace liquid crystal technology with advanced organic light-emitting diode displays. This shift aligns with previous supply chain reports indicating that Samsung Display has been lined up to manufacture and supply the necessary panels.

While official processor details remain unconfirmed by corporate leadership, industry observers speculate that the M5 chip is a strong candidate to power these new Air models. The move to organic light-emitting diode technology will deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and improved energy efficiency for everyday users.

Performance and Thermal Enhancements for the iPad Pro

The top-tier iPad Pro lineup is also slated for a performance boost in 2027. Current 11-inch and 13-inch variants debuted in October 2025 running on the M5 processor. Their anticipated successors are expected to introduce vapor chamber cooling technology to manage internal temperatures more effectively.

This advanced thermal management system will allow the next iPad Pro to sustain high levels of performance during demanding workloads, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and complex gaming. Mark Gurman previously indicated that this cooling method would debut alongside the next generation of processors.

Given that Apple has already integrated the M6 chip into its 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac computers, the arrival of the M6 in the upcoming iPad Pro follows a logical hardware progression. These combined updates signal a broader push to standardize premium display and processing technologies across the entire product ecosystem.