According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is planning two major changes for the 2027 MacBook Pro: a visual redesign of the entry-level model and an early transition to the new M7 chip. Both are expected to arrive in the first half of 2027, along with four redesigned iPad Pro models. It would be the first real design update to the most affordable 14-inch MacBook Pro in over five years.
Key Points at a Glance
- Redesign of the entry-level MacBook Pro (14-inch, codename K104) expected in the first half of 2027
- New M7 chip manufactured using a 2-nanometer process with a focus on AI computations; target memory bandwidth is approximately 240 GB/s
- Apple appears to be skipping the Pro and Max variants in the M6 series and accelerating the transition to the M7
- Four new iPad Pro models (11- and 13-inch) with improved vapor chamber cooling, but no design changes
- Global memory and chip shortages could still delay the schedule
What Apple is planning for the first half of 2027
Apple’s spring 2027 lineup is shaping up to be packed. In addition to the redesigned MacBook Pro and the four iPad Pro models, the report also mentions a base-model iPhone 18 and a second-generation iPhone Air. Apple is increasingly using the spring to spread product launches throughout the year, rather than cramming everything into the fall. 2027 is also the year the iPhone celebrates its 20th anniversary, which further heats up the schedule.
The order of the laptop releases is interesting. An interim model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip (internal code J804) is expected to be released as early as late 2026 and will retain the current design. It won’t be until 2027 that the successor model, codenamed K104, introduces the new look. So anyone waiting for a truly new design will have to be patient a little longer.
MacBook Pro 2027: The First Redesign in Five Years
The entry-level MacBook Pro has been using the same enclosure since the launch of the M1 generation in the fall of 2021. According to sources, Apple is planning a noticeable change for the 2027 MacBook Pro: The notch in the display is set to give way to a small camera cutout (punch hole), accompanied by thinner screen bezels. Visually, the model will take its cues from the higher-end MacBook Pro devices that Apple plans to unveil between late 2026 and early 2027.
These premium models are the actual catalyst for this design wave. They are set to be the first MacBooks with touchscreens and OLED displays. The affordable entry-level model will subsequently adopt the new design language but will feature a chip that is one tier below. For more background on the high-end devices, check out our report on the MacBook Pro with OLED and M6 chip.
M7 Chip: Apple Is Skipping the Pro and Max Variants for the M6
The most exciting part of the report is the chip strategy. Apple aims to significantly accelerate the transition from the upcoming M6 generation to the M7 generation. To avoid spreading its development resources too thin, the company is reportedly skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max entirely in the M6 series and channeling its resources directly into the M7.
The M7 will be manufactured using a 2-nanometer process and will feature special optimizations for AI and machine learning tasks. The targeted memory bandwidth is around 240 GB/s, which will particularly benefit local AI models. The catch for power users: The more powerful M7 Pro and M7 Max variants aren’t expected to follow until late 2027. So anyone who needs maximum computing power will have to wait longer.
iPad Pro 2027: More Power, Same Design
Externally, everything remains the same with the iPad Pro. The 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes remain the same; a redesign is not planned. According to reports, Apple is testing four variants that differ primarily on the inside. The focus is clearly on performance; depending on the production stage, the new M7 chip may also be used here.
To manage the heat generated by the faster chips, Apple is relying on an improved vapor chamber cooling system. It dissipates heat through the evaporation and condensation of a liquid and is designed to prevent the tablet from throttling under sustained load. A possible side effect: slightly more weight. We took a detailed look at how this cooling solution works and what it means for the tablet’s laptop ambitions in our article on the iPad Pro with the new cooling system.
The Roadmap at a Glance
| Device | Chip | Design | Expected Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14″ (J804, interim model) | M6 | unchanged | Late 2026 |
| High-end MacBook Pro (OLED, Touch) | M5 Pro / M5 Max | New (OLED, touchscreen) | Late 2026 to early 2027 |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch entry-level (K104) | M7 | New (punch-hole, thinner bezels) | First half of 2027 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch (4 models) | M7 | Unchanged, improved cooling | Spring 2027 |
| M7 Pro / M7 Max | – | – | Late 2027 |
Note: All information is based on reports and leaks; there has been no official confirmation from Apple to date.
Memory Shortages Pose a Risk to the Timeline
The supply chain remains a major source of uncertainty. Shortages of memory chips and silicon are weighing on the entire tech industry and have already led to price increases at Apple. In Germany, the 14-inch MacBook Pro has recently climbed by 300 euros to 2,199 euros as a result. You can read about which other models have become more expensive in our overview of Apple’s 2026 price increase.
If the material shortage does not ease, the roadmap for 2027 could be pushed back further. A quick improvement is not currently in sight; industry experts do not expect a noticeable relief in the memory market until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 MacBook Pro
When will the new, redesigned MacBook Pro be released?
According to the report, the redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro (codename K104) is expected in the first half of 2027. An interim model with an M6 chip and the old design is set to be released as early as late 2026.
What’s changing about the design?
The notch is being replaced by a small punch-hole camera, and the screen bezels are getting thinner. The entry-level model will adopt the look of the new high-end MacBooks with OLED and touchscreen.
What makes the M7 chip special?
The M7 is manufactured using a 2-nanometer process, is optimized for AI computations, and aims for approximately 240 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Apple is apparently skipping the M6 Pro and M6 Max variants in favor of this.
Will the iPad Pro get a new design in 2027?
No. The 11-inch and 13-inch sizes and the familiar design will remain. The main new features are the faster chip and improved vapor chamber cooling.
Are the release dates confirmed?
No. These are reports and leaks without official confirmation. Memory shortages could further delay the schedules.
Conclusion
The 2027 MacBook Pro sounds like the update many have been waiting for for years: finally a new design for the entry-level model and a chip that’s meant to propel Apple ahead in the AI race. The fact that the company is sacrificing the M6 Pro and M6 Max variants for this is an unusually aggressive move and shows just how serious Apple is about on-device AI performance. The update for the iPad Pro is more modest, but the improved cooling should still make a difference in everyday use. The major caveat remains the supply chain: as long as memory remains scarce and expensive, both release dates and prices should be taken with a grain of salt.
