Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple plans three new iPad models for the first half of 2027. 9to5Mac summarised the report on 1 November. It lists a new iPad Air, a base iPad and an iPad Pro, following this past week’s OLED iPad mini refresh, which we covered before the event.
iPad Air to get OLED
9to5Mac says the next iPad Air will switch to an OLED display. It will likely keep a 60Hz panel and Touch ID rather than moving to Face ID.
The chip isn’t confirmed. 9to5Mac expects a jump from M4 to M5, and puts the price at around $799-899 for the 11-inch model. For context, the M5 chip brings a faster CPU and more on-device AI power than M4.
Base iPad could get Apple Intelligence
The base iPad hasn’t been updated since early 2025. 9to5Mac says it will get the A19 chip and 8GB of RAM. That would bring Apple Intelligence to Apple’s cheapest iPad.
It should also gain Apple’s N1 wireless chip and the C1X modem. There shouldn’t be any screen or design changes, though new colours are possible.
iPad Pro to add a vapor chamber
9to5Mac says Apple will add a vapor chamber to the iPad Pro. Apple started using one last year in the iPhone 17 Pro. 9to5Mac doesn’t list other changes, apart from a new chip that’s likely M6 or possibly M7.
9to5Mac says the iPad Pro now starts at $1,199 for the 11-inch model and $1,499 for the 13-inch. It says the last major redesign will be about three years old by then.
What the new iPad models mean for UAE buyers
Apple hasn’t announced anything, and there are no UAE prices or dates. Our best iPad to buy in the UAE guide currently lists prices from Dhs 1,399 to Dhs 8,499 across the range. The current iPad Air M4 starts at Dhs 2,599, the same as the MacBook Neo, as our MacBook Neo vs iPad Air M4 comparison explains.
If you need an iPad now, the current models remain solid. If you want an Air, Pro or Apple Intelligence on a budget iPad, waiting until the first half of 2027 may pay off.
When will the new iPad Air, iPad and iPad Pro launch?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports all three are due in the first half of 2027. Apple hasn’t confirmed dates.
Will the new iPad Air have an OLED screen?
Yes, if the report is right. 9to5Mac says it will likely stay at 60Hz and keep Touch ID.
Will the base iPad support Apple Intelligence?
Yes, if the report is right. The A19 chip and 8GB of RAM would enable it.
