Apple has generated buzz once again with the unveiling of its latest iPad Air, now enhanced with the impressive M3 chip that promises boosted performance. However, tech enthusiasts may need to sit tight a little longer for the anticipated upgrade to the iPad Pro. While an OLED iPad Pro featuring the M5 chip is on the horizon for this year, news has emerged that Apple is already laying the groundwork for an iPad Pro with the groundbreaking M6 chip and an in-house 5G modem.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has initiated the development of the next-generation iPad Pro, expected to launch next year. This upcoming device is anticipated to deliver significant performance enhancements and integrate Apple’s custom C2 5G modem, a technology not yet found in any other device. This would mark a step forward in Apple’s ambition to deepen its technological independence, particularly concerning connectivity components.
This year’s M5 iPad Pro is slated to feature a cutting-edge 3nm SoC from TSMC, which will bring efficiency and performance improvements. However, eyes are already turning towards the future, as the subsequent M6 chip is predicted to be built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This advancement will likely offer users remarkable improvements in graphical and computational power over its predecessor.
Currently, Apple’s cellular iPads rely on modems from Qualcomm, but the introduction of Apple’s own C2 modem could signal a transformative shift. This move aims to enhance connectivity performance and reduce dependency on external suppliers. Apple’s first C1 modem recently debuted in the iPhone 16e, and if the C2 modem is launched with the iPad Pro, it might quickly become standard across Apple’s tablet range.
Alongside these innovations, Apple appears to be working on a revamped iPad 12 with internal upgrades that might carry over the existing design, as well as an M5 MacBook Air, which could debut as early as next year. With the recent release of the M4 MacBook Air, speculation suggests the M5 version could strike the market sooner rather than later.
Looking ahead, the anticipated arrival of the M6 iPad Pro might be scheduled for the first half of 2027, aligning with Apple’s preference for springtime product launches. As Apple’s development pipeline continues to intrigue, tech followers can expect more exciting updates and breakthroughs in the near future. Stay tuned for more details on Apple’s upcoming innovations.
