Apple iPad Pro
iPad Pro (2024).

Apple

iPad Pro 8th Generation: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors

Is this the M5 iPad Pro? Here's what we know

The 8th-generation iPad Pro is the next premium tablet expected from Apple. The current model introduced a new processor, which we expect to see again this time around. It's still early—reliable rumors won't roll in for a while—but here's everything else the iPad Pro 8 could offer.

When Is the iPad Pro 8th Generation Release Date?

Apple releases a new iPad Pro almost every year. This inconsistency means we're not totally sure when we'll see the next one. Take the last few generations as an example:

  • 7th-gen iPad Pro: May 2024
  • 6th-gen iPad Pro: October 2022
  • 5th-gen iPad Pro: April 2021
  • 4th-gen iPad Pro: March 2020

Monitor our Next Apple Event page to see what you can expect the next event to cover. As the unveiling of this iPad Pro approaches, that's where you'll hear about it.

Lifewire's Release Date Estimate

Early 2025 or 2026 is a decent bet for now.

iPad Pro 8th Generation Price Rumors

The current iPad might give us an idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing. Matching the 2024 iPad Pro, we think the 8th-generation tablet will come in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. Two screen options mean two starting price points: likely $999 for the smaller version and $1,299 for the larger model.

Additional features, however, will cost more. If you pick up a cellular-enabled model with non-standard glass and the highest storage option, it could cost as much as $2,599.

Pre-Order Information

Apple will announce this iPad at an event, and pre-orders should start that same day, with availability within a week later.

iPad Pro 8th Generation Features

This iPad will run iPadOS 18. That version of the operating system was released in late 2024, so if the iPad Pro 8 arrives when we expect—early to late 2025—it will include all the features in iPadOS 18. Otherwise, a later release means it could ship with iPadOS 19. Either way, Apple will probably highlight Apple Intelligence improvements over anything else.

Apple Intelligence Writing Tools.

Apple

If you have the Apple Pencil Pro, it will likely work with this iPad. Apple typically maintains backward compatibility with its Pencils for several iPad generations. Plus, this one just came out with the latest iPad Pro, and we're not sure when the 4th-gen Apple Pencil will arrive.

iPad Pro 8th Generation Specs and Hardware

Every new iPad Pro comes with a newer processor. The M4 chip, used in the 2024 iPad Pro, is the latest generation of Apple silicon. The company says it "delivers a huge leap in performance and capabilities," which we expect will be repeated with whatever chip they decide to put in the iPad Pro 8. We'll take a not-so-wild guess and assume it will be called Apple M5 (these iPad identifiers confirm the name).

The current iPad Pro dropped the 128 GB storage option previously available in the 6th-gen version. We don't expect any new options, so you'll have four choices: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. As for RAM, Apple has offered 8 GB and 16 GB (the higher amount for the terabyte models) since 2021, so we won't be surprised to see a bump there, with 16GB and 32GB as possible options.

The M4 iPad Pro includes what's called a "tandem OLED"—basically, two OLED panels stacked on top of each other. This technology translates to better brightness and even longer battery life. It was introduced with the 2024 iPad Pro; without any obvious downsides, it should return with this future iPad.

The Latest News About iPad Pro 8th Generation

You can read all the latest Apple news on Lifewire. Here are some of the latest stories: