Apple reportedly testing new iPad Pro models and redesigned MacBook Pro

Apple is preparing a significant expansion of its hardware portfolio for the first half of 2027, centered on performance-focused updates to its premium tablet line and a visual overhaul of its entry-level laptop series. This internal testing cycle reflects a broader strategy to distribute revenue more evenly throughout the year, shifting away from a reliance on the holiday quarter while navigating a complex landscape of component shortages.

The iPad Pro Roadmap

Apple is internally testing four new models of the iPad Pro, all targeted for a spring 2027 release. According to reporting from Bloomberg, these tablets are expected to retain the current 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes, focusing instead on internal enhancements rather than a chassis redesign. These upgrades are largely intended to support more intensive computing tasks, with testing involving faster chipsets. To manage the thermal output of this increased power, the company has experimented with a vapor chamber cooling system—a feature designed to sustain high-performance computing without overheating.

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Redesigning the Entry-Level MacBook Pro

The company is simultaneously developing a new 14-inch entry-level MacBook Pro, currently identified by the internal codename K104. This model is expected to debut in the first half of 2027. Unlike the current lineup, the K104 will adopt a new design language that aligns it with the higher-end, touchscreen-equipped MacBook Pro models anticipated to launch between late 2026 and early 2027. While the entry-level model is not expected to feature a touchscreen itself, its aesthetic will reflect the updated look of those premium machines.

This strategy represents a shift from earlier plans. Apple had reportedly completed development on a separate entry-level MacBook Pro, codenamed J804, several months ago. That version was designed to retain the current chassis while incorporating the base M6 chip and was originally slated for release this year. The emergence of the K104 project signals that the company is opting for a more ambitious aesthetic refresh to maintain consistency across its notebook tiers.

Accelerating the Silicon Transition

Central to these developments is an accelerated shift in Apple's silicon roadmap. The company is aiming to debut its first M7 processor as early as the first half of 2027, skipping the release of high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max variants entirely. By bypassing these intermediate chips, Apple intends to consolidate engineering resources and expedite the availability of silicon optimized for demanding on-device artificial intelligence workloads. The M7 chip, built on a 2-nanometer process, is projected by some observers to feature memory bandwidth improvements reaching approximately 240 GB/s.

This rapid generational jump creates a challenging environment for consumers. Buyers seeking maximum performance currently face a gap in the timeline, as the M7 Pro and M7 Max variants are not expected until later in 2027, with the M7 Ultra series not anticipated until 2028.

Market and Supply Chain Constraints

The roadmap remains subject to the ongoing volatility of global memory and chip supplies. These constraints have already impacted Apple's pricing strategy. In June 2026, the company implemented price increases across its Mac and iPad lines. For instance, the starting price for the 11-inch iPad Pro moved to $1,199, while the 13-inch model increased to $1,499. Similarly, the 1TB MacBook Pro saw a price hike from $1,699 to $1,999.

The 2027 release window is shaping up to be one of the company's most dense, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Current industry projections suggest the spring 2027 period could see the simultaneous debut of:

• New 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models
• The redesigned 14-inch entry-level MacBook Pro
• A second-generation iPhone Air
• An entry-level iPhone 18
• A 20th-anniversary edition iPhone
• A second-generation foldable iPhone

As Apple navigates these launches, the ability to execute this high-volume rollout will depend heavily on the stabilization of the component market, which has already forced the company to pull certain configurations from retail availability earlier this year.

What to Watch Next

The immediate focus for observers remains the latter half of 2026, when Apple is expected to launch its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models. Those releases will provide the first look at the design language that the 2027 entry-level MacBook Pro will adopt. Simultaneously, analysts will be monitoring the memory and chip markets for further signs of disruption that could necessitate additional changes to the 2027 product calendar.