It isn’t exactly the most surprising rumor, but a new report claims that Apple is working on an iPad Pro refresh along with an entry-level MacBook Pro featuring the M7 chip, both expected to arrive in spring 2027.
If the report proves accurate, this would shift the iPad Pro from its usual fall release cycle to spring. Such a move could help Apple balance its earnings throughout the year by spreading product launches more evenly, moving some releases away from the holiday quarter and into the spring and back-to-school buying season.
The upcoming iPad Pro update is expected to be incremental, with no changes to screen sizes and no major redesign planned. According to Wednesday’s Bloomberg report, a full redesign is not anticipated. Instead, the focus will likely be on internal improvements, including a faster processor. Apple has also reportedly been testing vapor chamber cooling for the iPad Pro, similar to what is now used in the iPhone 17 Pro.
The last iPad Pro update, featuring the M5 chip, was released in October 2025.
One of the most significant details in the report is that the entry-level MacBook Pro may adopt a new design language first introduced with the upcoming OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, expected in late 2026 or early 2027. That model is reportedly codenamed K104 and could be the first device to feature the rumored M7 chip, arriving sooner than typical chip rollout cycles.
The entry-level MacBook Pro scheduled for fall 2026, codenamed J804, is expected to include the M6 chip. The J804 codename had already been discovered in macOS Tahoe code as of October 2025, while the previous J704 model corresponded to the M5 entry-level MacBook Pro.
Overall, this would place several major Apple releases into the spring window, including the non-Pro iPhone 18 lineup and a second-generation iPhone Air expected around the same time.
iPhone 18 Pro leaks: Qualcomm or Apple C2 model, A20 details, camera upgrades
After a closer look at new data, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro modem situation may not be straightforward. Here’s what the latest leaks suggest about cellular connectivity, the A20 chip, and possible camera upgrades.
On June 25, AppleInsider exclusively reported that iPhone 18 Pro schematics and documents were among more than 630GB of files allegedly taken from Tata in a cyberattack.
An initial review of the leaked material revealed Apple’s plans to use its in-house C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, further analysis and additional research with an analyst indicate a more complex approach.
Qualcomm vs Apple C2 modem strategy
Leaks suggest Apple may adopt a region-based and split modem strategy, where different iPhone 18 Pro models use different modem hardware.
U.S. models (with mmWave support): Expected to continue using Qualcomm modem hardware, due to mmWave requirements.
International models: Likely to use Apple’s proprietary C2 modem, which reportedly does not yet support mmWave.
Referenced Qualcomm components for the U.S. version include parts such as SDX80M and related RF modules listed in the bill of materials.
This suggests Apple is not fully transitioning to its own modem in the Pro lineup yet, mainly because mmWave support still depends on Qualcomm technology.
Interestingly, Apple already uses a mixed modem strategy across its lineup today, with some models using Apple-designed modems while others rely on Qualcomm solutions. The iPhone 18 Pro appears to extend this approach further, with regional variation becoming a key factor.
Internal hardware and regional differences
Board schematics indicate two separate logic board variants:
One for mmWave models using Qualcomm hardware
One for non-mmWave models potentially using Apple C2
There are also hints that Apple may expand regional differences beyond modems. For example, future iPhone 18 Pro models in China could shift toward eSIM support, replacing the current dual physical SIM setup.
Apple is preparing four new iPad Pro models along with an entry-level M7 MacBook Pro for an early 2027 launch
