HardwareNov 3, 2026, 4:13 AM UTC·2 min read

iPad Buying Guide: Why Waiting for Apple's 2027 Lineup Pays Off

Apple's only new tablet this year is the OLED iPad mini. A triple launch of iPad Air, base iPad and iPad Pro is expected in early 2027, so some buyers should wait.

Apple iPad Air, iPad and iPad Pro tablets displayed side by side on a desk. — Image: Spider's Web

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Apple's tablet launches this year amount to a single device: a refreshed iPad mini with an OLED screen. In Poland it starts at 2,999 zł for the base variant. For anyone who wants a larger workspace, a classic 11-inch screen or a comfortable display for taking notes with a stylus, 2026 has brought no new reason to buy.

That is set to change in the first half of 2027. According to information from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, three devices are due in early 2027: a refreshed iPad Air, a base iPad and an upgraded iPad Pro.

What is expected

The new iPad Air is said to get an OLED panel, though still limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate. It should keep a physical Touch ID reader in the power button rather than Face ID, and will probably use the M5 chip, a step up from the current M4. The better display will push the price up: roughly $799-899 for the base 11-inch model, which converts to about 3,600-4,500 zł in Poland.

The base iPad will get its first update since early 2025. It is expected to use an A19 processor with 8 GB of RAM and full Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's own N1 wireless chip and C1X modem. The aluminium body, bezels and screen should stay the same, with new colours the only visible change.

The iPad Pro is expected to focus on sustained performance, with a vapor chamber like the one in the iPhone 17 Pro. It should run on an M6 or M7 chip, while the exterior stays largely unchanged. Current prices start at $1,199 for 11 inches and $1,499 for 13 inches.

What to buy now

If you need a pocket-sized tablet for reading, flying a drone or fieldwork, the OLED iPad mini at just under 3,000 zł is the only worthwhile purchase this year. The current iPad Pro with the M5 chip and Tandem OLED display is also a safe pick if you find a good discount. The vapor chamber will matter mainly for continuous 4K video rendering or demanding 3D games.

Those eyeing the base iPad or the Air should wait. The current budget iPad has too little RAM for Apple Intelligence, and the Air's coming OLED panel should noticeably improve contrast for films and text work, even at a price closer to 4,000 zł.