Apple has tossed its heretofore predictable M-series chip launch cadence in the air, adding a hefty dose of unpredictability into the proverbial mix. Now, however, the legendary tipster Mark Gurman is out with yet another scoop, disclosing an early 2027 launch window for the M6 iPad Pro and a re-designed Apple Pencil.
Apple's early 2027 launch window is already becoming crowded with a growing array of products
We reported recently that Apple has significantly revamped its silicon-related plans, settling on the launch of the M5 Ultra and the base M6 later this year, and then jumping straight to the base M7, the M7 Pro, and M7 Max chips in 2027, while reserving the M7 Ultra for 2028.
Well, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has just disclosed that Apple's iPad Pro with an M6 chip is now expected to launch in early 2027, joining the launch cadence of the base iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2.
Do note that the M6 will be Apple's first 2nm chip. Also, the new iPad Pro might sport a 16GB RAM as the standard across all storage tiers. What's more, the M6 iPad Pro might also bring a 180Hz ProMotion Tandem OLED screen onboard.
Elsewhere, Gurman notes that Apple might also launch a revamped Apple Pencil in 2027, replete with a battery that is much easier to replace.
Do note that Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 will kick in by early 2027, mandating a readily replaceable and removable battery in consumer electronics.
Even so, the regulation's Annex II, Part B, Section 1.1(1)(c)(ii) carves out an exception for smartphones and tablets with the following conditions:
- The battery must retain at least 83 percent of its rated capacity after 500 full charge cycles.
- The battery must retain at least 80 percent of its rated capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles.
- The device must achieve a minimum IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
All smartphones and tablets that meet these conditions will be exempt from the EU's upcoming battery replacement-related rules. The Apple Pencil, however, is neither, and so must conform to these regulations.
Do note that the USB-C variant of the Apple Pencil hides the port behind a sliding mechanism, which can become a gateway for Apple to provide an easier access to the battery. As for the unibody variant, the replaceable tip might offer a possible entryway for battery replacement purposes.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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