Apple preps upgraded iPad Pro and redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro

Apple is gearing up for one of its busiest hardware years yet in 2027, with fresh updates to the iPad Pro and a significant redesign for its more affordable MacBook Pro on the horizon. According to Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman, these releases will arrive in the first half of next year as part of a broader push tied to the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

Apple is currently testing four new iPad Pro models slated for a spring 2027 launch. The lineup will stick with the existing 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes, meaning no major exterior redesign is expected. Instead, the focus shifts inward to performance upgrades.

Key expected improvements include:

• — Likely M6 or the next-generation M7 processors. The M7 is being fast-tracked for strong on-device AI capabilities and is targeted for the first half of 2027.

• — Apple has already tested this system to sustain higher performance without excessive heat buildup.

• Better alignment with Apple’s shifting release cadence, moving the Pro tablets out of the crowded holiday season (the previous M5 models launched in late 2025).

These changes should make the iPad Pro even more capable for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and AI workloads, while maintaining the ultra-thin, premium build that debuted in recent generations.

The more exciting news comes on the Mac side. Apple has already wrapped up work on a refreshed base MacBook Pro (codenamed J804) with an M6 chip on the current chassis, expected later in 2026. But the real story is the — a fully redesigned 14-inch entry-level MacBook Pro planned for the first half of 2027.

This new design is expected to borrow styling cues from Apple’s upcoming higher-end touchscreen MacBook Pros, though the budget version will likely skip the touchscreen feature to keep costs down. It will also debut Apple’s M7 chip family, which emphasizes AI performance with enhanced neural engines and improved memory bandwidth.

This marks a notable shift: the entry-level MacBook Pro has long used a more conservative design compared to the premium 14- and 16-inch models. Bringing it in line with the modern aesthetic could make high-quality MacBooks more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, including students, professionals, and everyday users.

These updates are just the beginning. 2027 is shaping up as a landmark year:

• New iPhone 18 series and a second-generation iPhone Air in spring.

• A major Twentieth Anniversary iPhone later in the year.

• Potential foldable iPhone developments, new AirPods, smart glasses, and more.

Supply chain challenges, including memory and silicon shortages, have already led to recent price increases across Apple’s Mac and iPad lines, and these could still impact timelines. However, if Apple stays on track, consumers can look forward to all-new products and meaningful leaps in performance and design next year.

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Source link: https://macdailynews.com/2026/07/02/apple-preps-upgraded-ipad-pro-and-redesigned-entry-level-macbook-pro/