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The iPad mini has its OLED display; for the rest of the line, 2026 is the end. Three models are expected to follow in the first half of 2027: an iPad Air with OLED, an iPad Pro with new cooling, and the entry-level iPad, which has been delayed for months.
With the iPad mini featuring OLED and A20 Pro, Apple unveiled the last new iPad of the year at the end of October. It will be available in stores on November 6th. The iPad Air, iPad Pro, and the entry-level iPad will therefore remain, for the time being, at the specifications they have had for more than a year in some cases.
This is set to change in the first half of 2027, according to Mark Gurman in his "Power On" newsletter published by Bloomberg on November 1st. Gurman is considered one of the most reliable sources regarding Apple's product plans, although the release date he mentioned for the entry-level iPad has already been postponed once.
Key Facts at a Glance
- According to Bloomberg, the iPad Air, iPad Pro and entry-level iPad are expected to be released in the first half of 2027.
- The next iPad Air is expected to have an OLED display, and the next iPad Pro a vapor chamber cooling system.
- The entry-level iPad was originally expected in 2026 and has already been delayed until 2027.
- The information is not new; the report confirms a situation that has been developing for over a year.
Three models, one time period
| Model | Current status | Expected for 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air | M4, LCD, since March 2026 | OLED display |
| iPad Pro | M5, OLED, since October 2025 | Cooling with vapor chamber |
| Entry-level iPad | A16, LCD, since March 2025 | A19, Apple Intelligence |
Gurman cites the first half of 2027 for all three devices. According to a post by Gurman on X, no new iPads are expected in the second half of the year. This means the series renewal is concentrated into just a few months.
iPad Air: OLED without Pro technology
The key change with the iPad Air is the switch to OLED. Gurman had already mentioned the OLED iPad Air in October 2025. In April, a Korean industry report provided the supplier and timeline: Samsung Display, with mass production starting in late 2026 or early 2027.
The panel is said to have a more cost-effective design than the iPad Pro's: a single light-emitting layer instead of two stacked layers. ProMotion with 120 Hz is reportedly not included; the improvements primarily affect contrast and black levels. In August, it was revealed that BOE was bidding to become the second supplier for the Air panel. A decision was expected in November or December.
Apple has taken the same approach with the new iPad mini: OLED display, but no ProMotion.
iPad Pro: New cooling system, chip remains open
The vapor chamber in the iPad Pro is not a new feature. As early as October 2025, Gurman reported that the iPad Pro with the M6 processor would feature vapor chamber cooling. This distributes heat more evenly within the casing and is intended to maintain stable performance under sustained load.
The chip has had two versions since then. In October 2025, the M6 was mentioned. Then, in July 2026, Bloomberg reported on four new iPad Pro models being tested, with both the M6 and the M7 being possible. According to the report at the time, which one it would be depended on whether the M7 was ready by spring 2027.
Entry-level iPad: The third attempt
The cheapest iPad has the longest wait. The current model with the A16 chip doesn't support Apple Intelligence and is therefore the only iPad in thecurrent lineup without this feature. According to Apple code, its successor will have the A19 chip with 8 GB of RAM, Apple's N1 chip, and, in cellular models, the C1X modem.
The release date for the device has been repeatedly postponed. In March 2026, Gurman still expected it to be available this year, but since July he has cited the first quarter of 2027 as the earliest possible date. The new report maintains this position.
Anyone who buys an iPad now
I consider the report less of a revelation and more of a confirmation that Apple is sticking to its plan. Nevertheless, it's useful for buyers in this country, as it establishes a clear direction: the iPad mini will remain the last new iPad of the year; the other three models are expected to follow within the first half of 2027.
Anyone currently considering an iPad Air is buying a model whose successor is expected to get an OLED display in a few months. Those who prioritize contrast and black levels are better off waiting; those who need the device now won't lose much in everyday use with the M4. For the entry-level iPad, Apple Intelligence will decide whether waiting is worthwhile.
Would you wait until spring for an iPad Air with an OLED display – or is the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate not worth the delay? Let us know in the comments whether you're buying now or waiting until 2027.
