A new leak suggests Apple may not redesign the iPad Pro anytime soon. Instead, the company could focus on internal upgrades while keeping the same look. The claim comes from a post shared by a leaker known as Instant Digital. According to the report, Apple plans to extend the current design cycle for several years.
If true, this shift would mark a change in expectations. Many Apple fans expect frequent design refreshes. However, the iPad Pro already received a major redesign in 2024. That update introduced OLED displays and a thinner body. Therefore, Apple may feel little pressure to change the hardware again soon.
Cost and Market Factors Behind the Decision
The rumor links the pause to high OLED panel costs and slower tablet sales growth. OLED screens improve contrast and color accuracy. However, they also cost more to produce at large sizes. Because of that, Apple may want to stretch the lifespan of the current design.
Extending a product cycle helps spread development costs across more units. As a result, Apple can protect profit margins in a mature tablet market. The company has used this strategy before. For example, several Mac and iPhone designs stayed unchanged for years while chips improved steadily.
Performance Upgrades May Continue
While the exterior may stay the same, internal upgrades should continue. Apple already refreshed the iPad Pro with an M5 chip in late 2025. Future models could move to an M6 chip around 2026 or 2027. The leak also mentions possible vapor chamber cooling to improve sustained performance.
These changes would boost power without altering the design. Many professional users keep their iPad Pro devices for three to five years. Therefore, Apple may prefer predictable upgrades over flashy redesigns.
Software Could Shape the Future
Hardware is only part of the story. iPadOS plays a major role in how useful the iPad Pro becomes. Apple’s developer conference in mid-2026 may reveal software features that better match the hardware’s power.
For now, the rumor comes from a single source, and Apple has not confirmed anything. Still, a longer design cycle fits Apple’s past behavior. It also reflects the iPad Pro’s status as a long-term professional tool.
