The Apple iPad Pro series could remain unchanged for an extended period. A new report from Chinese leaker Instant Digital claims the current M5 generation iPad Pro 13 and iPad Pro 11 won't receive significant updates anytime soon. This aligns with Apple's typical approach to its Pro tablets, where major redesigns arrive infrequently.
Infrequent Redesign History
Apple's Pro tablet lineup has seen only two major redesigns over the past seven years. The first arrived in 2018 with the Pro 11 and Pro 12.9 models, which introduced edge-to-edge displays and Face ID. The second came in 2024 with the M4 generation, bringing Ultra Retina Tandem OLED panels and thinner chassis designs. This pattern suggests the company prefers substantial gaps between major hardware revisions rather than annual incremental changes.
OLED Costs and Sales Challenges
Several factors are driving this extended update cycle. The report points to rising OLED panel costs as a primary concern. The latest M5 iPad Pro models use Ultra Retina Tandem OLED technology, which stacks two organic light-emitting layers instead of one. This dual-layer approach delivers higher brightness and extends panel lifespan, but significantly increases manufacturing expenses.
Limited sales growth compounds the issue. Apple's Pro tablets occupy a premium niche with price tags that start around $1,000. The high cost of the Tandem OLED displays makes further price increases difficult without alienating the remaining customer base. Manufacturing these specialized panels at scale remains expensive, and demand hasn't grown enough to drive economies of scale.
No Ultra-Thin Bezel Race
Unlike competitors such as Samsung and Huawei, Apple reportedly won't pursue aggressively thin display bezels for the iPad Pro. The current bezel design accommodates the front-facing camera and provides adequate grip area for the large tablet form factor. This conservative approach to industrial design means fewer opportunities for dramatic visual updates between generations.
Next Update Timeline
The iPad Pro will likely receive its next refresh either this year or in 2027. Based on the report, don't expect revolutionary changes. The update will probably focus on internal specifications, specifically moving to the M6 chip architecture when it becomes available. Display technology, physical dimensions, and core features should remain largely identical to current models.
This strategy isn't unusual for Apple. The iPad Pro targets creative professionals and power users who value consistency and long-term software support over annual hardware upgrades. By extending the update cycle, Apple can amortize development costs and maintain profit margins on a product category that represents a smaller portion of its overall revenue compared to iPhone and Mac.
Source (in Chinese)