If you’re currently holding an older iPad and wondering when the next "big one" hits, the answer is a bit complicated. Honestly, it depends on whether you care about the silicon or the screen. We just saw a massive shift in the lineup.
Apple finally dropped the M5 iPad Pro on October 22, 2025. It was a quiet release, no big stage, no "one more thing." Just a press release and a sudden store update. If you’re looking for the newest iPad pro release date, that's your benchmark. But if you’re asking when the next one is coming, you're likely looking at Spring 2027.
Why the long wait? Apple’s "Pro" cycle isn't as frantic as the iPhone’s yearly grind.
The M5 iPad Pro: What Just Happened?
On October 15, 2025, Apple announced the M5-powered models. They hit shelves a week later. Most people didn't notice because the chassis looks identical to the M4 version from 2024. It’s still impossibly thin. The 13-inch model is basically a sheet of glass that shouldn't be able to run professional video software, yet it does.
The real story here is the M5 chip. It isn't just a tiny bump. It features a Neural Accelerator in every single core. Apple is claiming up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4. That’s a huge number, but in real-world terms, it’s mostly about making iPadOS 26 feel fluid.
Why the 2025 release feels different
Usually, we expect a design overhaul every few years. We didn't get that. We got internal surgery.
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- RAM Upgrade: The base models now start with 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 is officially here. If you have the router for it, the speeds are ridiculous.
- Modem: Apple swapped in their custom C1X modem for the cellular versions.
When is the Next iPad Pro Coming Out?
If you missed the October 2025 window, don't expect a "2026 iPad Pro." Mark Gurman and other supply chain analysts have been pretty consistent: the Pro is taking a breather.
History shows Apple likes an 18-month cycle for the Pro.
- M2 Pro: October 2022
- M4 Pro: May 2024 (19 months later)
- M5 Pro: October 2025 (17 months later)
Following that math, the M6 iPad Pro release date is likely hovering around March or April 2027.
There are whispers about what that 2027 model brings. The big rumor is vapor chamber cooling. Right now, the iPad Pro throttles when you’re doing heavy 3D rendering in Octane X or exporting 4K ProRes in Final Cut. It gets hot. Adding a vapor chamber would let that M6 chip scream without turning your hands into grilled cheese.
What About the Other iPads in 2026?
While the Pro sits out 2026, the rest of the family is getting a makeover. If you’re waiting for a release this year, look at the Air and the Mini.
The M4 iPad Air (Spring 2026)
The Air is finally getting the M4 chip. It's basically the "Pro Lite" at this point. Expect it in March 2026. It'll probably keep the LCD screen to keep costs down, but it might finally get the N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7 support.
The iPad Mini 8 (Late 2026)
This is the one people are actually excited about. The Mini hasn't had a real soul-searching update in years. Rumors suggest an OLED display is finally coming to the small form factor. No more "jelly scrolling" complaints. It’ll likely run the A19 Pro chip, making it a pocket-sized powerhouse.
Is the Newest iPad Pro Worth Buying Today?
Kinda. It depends on what you're upgrading from.
If you have an M4 iPad Pro, stay away. The M5 is faster for AI, but unless you’re a developer specifically building LLMs on a tablet, you won't feel the difference. You’ve already got the Tandem OLED screen. That was the real revolution.
However, if you're on an M1 or (heaven forbid) an A-series iPad, the jump is massive. The Tandem OLED on the newest iPad pro is the best screen Apple has ever made. Period. It hits 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness. It makes the old Liquid Retina displays look like muddy paper.
The Price Reality
Apple kept the pricing steady for the M5 models:
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- 11-inch: Starts at $999
- 13-inch: Starts at $1,299
It's a lot of money for a tablet. But with 12GB of RAM as the new floor, these things are built to last five or six years easily.
Actionable Insights for Buyers
If you need a Pro tablet right now, buy the M5 model. There is no "M6" coming in six months to make you regret your life choices. Apple's roadmap is clear: 2026 is for the Air, the Mini, and the base iPad. 2027 is for the Pro.
If you're a student or a casual user, wait until March 2026. The M4 iPad Air will likely launch then, and it will offer 90% of the Pro's power for several hundred dollars less.
Keep an eye on the "Refurbished" section of the Apple Store too. Now that the M5 is out, those M4 units are starting to pop up at significant discounts. Since the M4 still supports the Apple Pencil Pro and has that gorgeous OLED screen, it might actually be the smartest buy of 2026.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your current iPad's Model Number in Settings > General > About. If it says A-series (like A14 Bionic), you are three generations behind on architecture.
- If you decide to buy, verify the "M5" branding on the box; some retailers are still clearing out M4 stock at full price.
- Download the iPadOS 26 beta if you’re a developer to see how the M5's Neural Accelerator actually handles the new Siri.