Ing. Calogero Bono
Following the new iPad mini with an OLED screen, Apple reportedly has three more models in the works. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports this in his Power On newsletter of November 1. The models are a base iPad, an iPad Air and an iPad Pro, expected in the first half of 2027. These are rumors, not announcements. They matter because they concern the entire tablet lineup and access to Apple Intelligence on the cheapest model.
A few terms, before we get into the facts. OLED is a screen technology in which every pixel emits its own light. SoC refers to the chip that combines processor, graphics and other functions. C1X and N1 are Apple's chips for cellular network and wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi 7. Vapor chamber is a cooling system that spreads heat throughout the device. Apple Intelligence is Apple's set of AI features, which requires suitable hardware.
Which iPads will arrive in 2027?
According to MacRumors, which picks up Gurman's newsletter, a new iPad Air, an iPad Pro and a base iPad, called iPad 12, will arrive. 9to5Mac confirms this and speaks of the first half of next year.
According to HDblog, none of the three is expected to bring a redesign or size change.
What changes in the base iPad?
The base iPad should move to the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, the requirement to use Apple Intelligence. It would be the first in this price range to get it. According to Engadget, it would also have the N1 chip and the C1X modem, with Wi-Fi 7, 5G sub-6 GHz, higher speeds and lower battery consumption.
9to5Mac reports there would be no screen or design changes, at most new colors. HDblog writes that it is unclear whether the number of CPU and GPU cores will change.
On the subject of AI features on Apple devices, we covered the arrival of Apple Intelligence in China with iOS 27.3.
Will the iPad Air have an OLED screen?
Yes, according to the rumors. The iPad Air would have an OLED display like the iPad mini. 9to5Mac considers a 60 Hz panel and keeping Touch ID instead of Face ID likely. The model has not received a major update since 2020, the outlet writes.
The chip should move from M4 to M5, but this is not confirmed. 9to5Mac also speculates on a higher price, around 799-899 dollars for the 11-inch. This is the outlet's estimate, not an Apple figure.
What does the iPad Pro bring?
The iPad Pro would get a new chip, M6 or possibly M7 according to Engadget, while MacRumors mentions M6. A vapor chamber would be added, to dissipate heat especially during AI tasks and maintain performance. 9to5Mac recalls that the system appeared last year on the iPhone 17 Pro.
Current prices start at 1,199 dollars for the 11-inch and 1,499 dollars for the 13-inch. The rest of the update would be minimal, and 9to5Mac hopes for some surprises.
Limits to know
Everything stems from a single source, Gurman's newsletter, picked up by other outlets. Apple has confirmed nothing. Exact dates, chip names, prices and features are unverified. For the iPad Pro, both M6 and M7 are mentioned, and the iPad Air price is a 9to5Mac estimate. Specifications may change before launch.
What changes for those who work digitally
If you manage a fleet of tablets in a studio, shop or warehouse, 2027 may be the time to review your purchases. A base iPad with 8 GB of RAM would bring Apple's AI to the cheapest model. For app developers, the installed base of tablets capable of AI features could grow. If you use tablets for professional tasks, such as informed consent on tablets, you should weigh costs and replacement timing without rushing purchases.
Our take
The doubt is about positioning, not technology. Engadget notes that the iPhone Duo and the new touch-screen MacBook Pros risk encroaching on the iPad's territory. On this point we return to the touch-screen MacBook Pros and the iPhone Duo. For us the updates are cautious, especially on the Pro model. The highlight is AI on the base iPad, which however depends on its price bracket.
Frequently asked questions
When will the new iPads come out?
According to Gurman, in the first half of 2027. Apple has announced no dates. For now these are rumors.
Which models are expected?
Three – the base iPad (iPad 12), iPad Air and iPad Pro. The OLED iPad mini has already been presented.
Will the base iPad have Apple Intelligence?
According to the sources, yes. The move to the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM is the requirement for Apple's AI features.
Will the iPad Air have an OLED screen?
Yes, according to Gurman. 9to5Mac considers a 60 Hz panel and Touch ID likely.
What does the iPad Pro add?
A new chip, M6 or possibly M7, and a vapor chamber for cooling. The design would remain essentially unchanged.
What to watch before the new iPads launch
The picture should become clearer in the coming months. It's wise to follow confirmations, not individual reports.
- Check whether Apple or other sources confirm the chip names, M6 or M7 for the iPad Pro.
- Track iPad Air prices, since the 799-899 dollar estimate is not official.
- Verify whether the base iPad with A19 and 8 GB of RAM stays in the budget range.
Sources
- engadget.com, Apple is reportedly launching three new iPads early next year
- hdblog.it, Apple non ha finito con gli iPad – ecco i 3 modelli in arrivo nel 2027
- 9to5mac.com, Three new iPad models are reportedly launching early next year, here’s what’s coming
- macrumors.com, Three New iPads Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2027
