Key Takeaways
- Apple is working on four new iPad Pro models with faster chips for H1 2027
- An entry-level MacBook Pro, internally called K104, targets the same release window
- The M7 processor is slated to debut alongside these devices
Apple is developing four new iPad Pro models and an entry-level MacBook Pro for release in the first half of 2027, according to a Bloomberg report. The company is also targeting that window for its first M7 processor, continuing its aggressive silicon roadmap.
The new MacBook Pro carries the internal codename K104 and is described as an entry-level model. That phrasing matters. Apple released the MacBook Neo in March with an A18 chip borrowed from the iPhone, positioning it as a budget option. The K104 appears to be a full Pro machine, not a stripped-down variant.
Why is Apple pushing entry-level Pro hardware now?
Price hikes. Tim Cook has blamed supply chain issues for forcing Apple to raise costs, and some increases have been steep. The 1TB MacBook Pro jumped from $1,699 to $1,999. That $300 bump prices out buyers who might otherwise spring for Pro-level performance.
A more affordable Pro laptop gives Apple room to capture that segment without cannibalizing the MacBook Air or pushing customers toward the Neo. The four iPad Pro variants suggest a similar strategy: spread the lineup across price points while the M7 silicon keeps the top tier competitive.
What does the M7 chip bring?
Apple hasn't disclosed M7 specifications. But the pattern is clear. Each M-series generation has delivered meaningful gains in performance per watt. The M3 Ultra packs 92 billion transistors. The M7 will likely push past 100 billion, enabling workstation-class performance in thinner machines.
"Apple Silicon has fundamentally changed what's possible in a laptop," Johny Srouji, Apple's SVP of Hardware Technologies, said of the company's chip transition. That transition, which began with the M1 in November 2020, has given Apple a roughly two-to-three year lead over competitors in power efficiency, according to Ben Bajarin, CEO of Creative Strategies.
The post-Tim Cook era is already shaping product plans
Bloomberg's report notes these product plans come as Apple prepares for its post-Cook leadership transition. Whispers of other releases, including a foldable phone, suggest the company is laying groundwork for a product strategy that extends well beyond Cook's tenure.
The iPad Pro last saw an update in October 2025. A new high-end MacBook Pro shipped in March 2026. If the H1 2027 timeline holds, Apple will have refreshed its entire Pro lineup within 18 months, a cadence that keeps enterprise and creative buyers locked in.
What this means for enterprise buyers
CTOs managing device fleets face a familiar calculation. Wait for M7 hardware, or deploy current-gen machines and absorb the refresh cost later? The entry-level Pro MacBook could change that math. If K104 hits a meaningfully lower price while retaining Pro-class performance, it becomes the fleet standard for engineering and creative teams.
The four iPad Pro variants also signal flexibility. Different screen sizes, storage tiers, or connectivity options let IT departments match hardware to specific workflows without overpaying for specs no one uses.
Logicity's Take
Apple's entry-level Pro strategy is a pricing hedge. With the 1TB MacBook Pro now at $1,999, Apple risks losing the $1,500-$1,800 buyer to Windows competitors or to upgrade fatigue. K104 fills that gap while the M7 justifies premium pricing at the top. For enterprise buyers, the real question is whether K104 ships with enough RAM and storage to handle dev workloads out of the box, or whether Apple's upsell structure pushes the configured price back toward current Pro levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro release?
Bloomberg reports Apple is targeting the first half of 2027 for both the new iPad Pro models and the entry-level MacBook Pro codenamed K104.
What is the Apple M7 chip?
The M7 is Apple's next-generation silicon, expected to debut alongside the new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro in early 2027. Apple has not released specifications, but each M-series generation has delivered significant performance and efficiency gains.
How many new iPad Pro models is Apple developing?
Apple is working on four iPad Pro models with faster chips, likely spanning different screen sizes and configurations.
Why are Apple prices increasing?
Tim Cook has cited supply chain issues as the cause. The MacBook Pro with 1TB storage recently jumped from $1,699 to $1,999.
Is Apple making a foldable phone?
Bloomberg's report mentions whispers of a foldable phone among other upcoming releases, but Apple has not confirmed any such product.
Another major tech company making moves in the current market
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Planning your organization's device refresh around Apple's 2027 lineup? Logicity helps tech leaders build procurement strategies that align with release cycles. Contact us for a consultation.
Source: TechCrunch / Lucas Ropek
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
