Apple reportedly plans three new iPads for 2027, including OLED iPad Air

Following the recent introduction of the OLED iPad mini, Apple is reportedly preparing three more iPad models for the first half of 2027. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant is working on a new entry-level iPad, an upgraded iPad Air, and a next-generation iPad Pro.

The upcoming releases could bring some significant improvements across Apple’s tablet lineup, including an OLED display for the iPad Air, a faster chip for the standard iPad, and a new vapor chamber cooling system for the iPad Pro. Here’s what we know so far about Apple’s reported iPad plans for 2027.

OLED display could finally arrive on the iPad Air

According to Gurman, Apple plans to bring OLED technology to the iPad Air, after adding it to the recently launched iPad mini. This would be a notable upgrade over the current Liquid Retina LCD display, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.

However, it may retain a 60Hz refresh rate instead of adopting 120Hz ProMotion technology and may also continue using Touch ID rather than switching to Face ID, as we have seen in the latest iPad mini.

Gurman didn’t name the processor for the upcoming model, but a move from the current M4 chip to an M5 chip is expected. The display upgrade could also make the iPad Air more expensive. The base 11-inch model, which already costs $749 after Apple’s June price increase, might cost somewhere between $799 and $899.

Entry-level iPad could finally support Apple Intelligence

Apple is also reportedly preparing an update to its most affordable iPad, which hasn’t received a major refresh since early 2025.

Based on earlier reports, the biggest upgrade could be Apple’s A19 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, potentially bringing Apple Intelligence support. The current entry-level model lacks support for Apple’s AI features, making this a meaningful upgrade for users who don’t want to spend more on an iPad Air or iPad Pro.

Apart from the processor, the new iPad is also rumored to include Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, which is expected to bring Wi-Fi 7 support. Cellular models may feature the C1X modem for improved connectivity and power efficiency.

Don’t expect a major design overhaul, though. According to current reports, Apple does not plan any design or display upgrade for this model. However, refreshed color options could be introduced.

iPad Pro could get vapor chamber cooling

The next iPad Pro might focus more on performance improvements than external design changes.

According to Gurman, Apple plans to introduce a vapor chamber cooling system in its next-generation iPad Pro to maintain better performance during intensive tasks, including gaming, video editing, and AI processing. Apple has already introduced this technology in its iPhone 17 Pro lineup to improve heat dissipation during demanding workloads.

As for the processor, the next iPad Pro is expected to move beyond the current M5 generation. While the M6 chip is a likely candidate, Apple could potentially use an M7 chip instead.

No other major hardware changes have been reported so far. Considering that the iPad Pro received a significant redesign with its OLED display in 2024, Apple may focus primarily on internal improvements for its next refresh.

When will Apple launch the new iPads?

According to Gurman’s report, Apple is planning to introduce all three models during the first half of 2027.

That means we could see the new entry-level iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro arrive sometime between January and June next year. However, Apple hasn’t announced an official launch schedule or confirmed any of these devices.

The reports also suggest that Apple isn’t currently planning major iPad refreshes for the second half of 2027, unless its existing launch plans change.