Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years

[MacRumors]

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

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.

Article Link: Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years

 

[MacUserFella]

This is definitely just me, but with the upcoming iPhone Fold and Touchscreen MacBook, I wouldn’t mind Apple ditching the iPad entirely

 

[MayaUser]

Got it, all in for the foldable iphone with ios+ipadOS

 

[HouseLannister]

This is definitely just me, but with the upcoming iPhone Fold and Touchscreen MacBook, I wouldn’t blame Apple for ditching the iPad entirely

Folding iPad and folding MacBook have been rumored longer than a folding phone. Just been a long while since Gurman banged his drum about them.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

It's quite a long shot, but one thing I'd really love is an iPad that has a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideally a larger display than the current 12.9", like the Samsung one with the ~15" size.

I do use mine more for media consumption though.

 

[Jamie0003]

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?

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Might as well buy a Fire Max 11.

 

[MayaUser]

Folding iPad and folding MacBook have been rumored longer than a folding phone. Just been a long while since Gurman banged his drum about them.

and yet we will get the folded iphone not the macbook/ipad that makes no sense anyway

 

[justiny]

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.

 

[MayaUser]

Be careful what you wish for. Do you really want a phone that can be scratched with your fingernail?

yes please....as long as it runs iOS and ipados...as long as it has app store and ipad store, yes. As long as the UI is right, i can handle the shortcoming of a sensible inner display

 

[TMRJIJ]

I still have my M1 iPad Pro. Probably will be good until the M7

 

[orbital~debris]

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).

 

[Jarman74]

This is definitely just me, but with the upcoming iPhone Fold and Touchscreen MacBook, I wouldn’t mind Apple ditching the iPad entirely

Well, ditching the iPad entirely would leave people without any affordable option, since both of those device classes are expected to be pricey. Maybe at some point - but right now? Hardly.

On the other hand, leaving a product without major upgrades for years wouldn’t be anything new for Apple, which is why the news about the iPhone 18 allegedly being underwhelming doesn’t feel all that groundbreaking either.

 

[Jamie0003]

yes please....as long as it runs iOS and ipados...as long as it has app store and ipad store, yes. As long as the UI is right, i can handle the shortcoming of a sensible inner display

As opposed to an iPad that doesn’t have this issue? You do you I suppose

I mean, don’t get me wrong, NONE of apples iPads need to be updated every year, they’ve never come close to utilising the power even the older iPads have, but a folding phone is a terrible replacement imo

 

[Z∆K]

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.

 

[abcmax]

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

It's fine with me.

 

[OliOliOliOli]

i will wait for a folding MBP

 

[Apple_Robert]

In my opinion, the current hardware rivals a MBP and is more powerful than the software. I don’t see that anyone would truly need a major upgrade over the current M5 pro.

 

[MayaUser]

As opposed to an iPad that doesn’t have this issue? You do you I suppose

I mean, don’t get me wrong, NONE of apples iPads need to be updated every year, they’ve never come close to utilising the power even the older iPads have, but a folding phone is a terrible replacement imo

every foldable, doesnt matter the segment, will have this issue.
The iphone has a brighter future since its the only device (along side apple watch) that can be with us everywhere
And also from Apple point of view, they will sell a lot more foldable iphones than foldable macs or ipad that could reach over 3k-4k in price

 

[Tummy]

Give me a tablet I can run full Mac apps on as well.

 

[I7guy]

I don’t think ultra slim bezels would spur any additional sales other than it being an improvement. Low end iPads have it all over high end android tablets, in my own opinion.

 

[Jamie0003]

every foldable, doesnt matter the segment, will have this issue.
The iphone has a brighter future since its the only device (along side apple watch) that can be with us everywhere
And also from Apple point of view, they will sell a lot more foldable iphones than foldable macs or ipad that could reach over 3k-4k in price

Then it’s a poor alternative.

It’s been talked about that one day, a pair of AR glasses is going to be the thing to replace phones and tablets. This is far more exciting / interesting than a device that costs twice as much, yet can be peeled like an orange…

I really don’t see this happening with foldables

 

[bluecoast]

I suspect that that they need to keep on using software to make an expensive iPad a must have.

 

[MayaUser]

Then it’s a poor alternative.

It’s been talked about that one day, a pair of AR glasses is going to be the thing to replace phones and tablets. This is far more exciting / interesting than a device that costs twice as much, yet can be peeled like an orange…

I really don’t see this happening with foldables

of course....but we were talking about phones tablets macs...things that dont sit on us, but with us
AR glasses are coming but until then, Apple needs this...since AR glasses i suspect are still 4- 5 years away at least

 

[Adelphos33]

The iPad Air is exactly as capable and powerful at running iPad OS at up to $1,000 less. iPad Pro is super nice, but it doesn't make any sense at current pricing.