Apple reportedly planning new iPad pros and entry-level macbook pro for early 2025

Apple has laid out its product roadmap for early next year, planning to launch several new iPad Pro models and a more affordable MacBook Pro, according to a Bloomberg report. The move signals a push to refresh its professional hardware lineup while also offering a lower-cost entry point for its flagship laptop.

The company is developing four variants of the next-generation iPad Pro, all boasting faster processors. The tablet line, last refreshed in October 2023, is expected to deliver performance boosts that bring it closer to the computational muscle of Apple's M-series desktop chips. Sources familiar with the project told Bloomberg the new models are aimed at creative professionals and power users who rely on the iPad Pro for graphics-heavy work.

Alongside the tablet refresh, Apple is building an entry-level MacBook Pro, internally known by the codename K104. This device is a full-fledged Pro machine, not a stripped-down version of the budget-oriented MacBook Neo that launched in March using the A18 chip originally designed for the iPhone. The K104 is expected to bridge the gap between the consumer-focused Neo and the high-end MacBook Pro, offering a more accessible price point without skimping on professional-grade performance.

Bloomberg's report also indicates Apple is targeting the same first-half 2025 window for the debut of its first M7 processor. The M7, if confirmed, would succeed the M6 series and is expected to deliver significant leaps in efficiency and machine learning capabilities, aligning with Apple's strategy of differentiating its hardware through custom silicon.

These product plans emerge as Apple faces several strategic hurdles. The company is preparing for a post-Tim Cook era, with succession planning underway internally. At the same time, persistent supply chain constraints have forced Apple to raise prices across its product lines. The MacBook Pro with 1 terabyte of storage, for instance, recently jumped from $1,699 to $1,999, a $300 increase that has drawn criticism from loyal customers. Launching more budget-friendly variants could help Apple retain market share in the premium segment while addressing affordability concerns.

Whisperings of other upcoming releases, including a possible foldable phone, have also circulated as the company diversifies its portfolio. However, no official confirmation has been provided, and Apple did not respond to a request for comment on the Bloomberg report.

The last iPad Pro release in October 2023 focused on the M3 chip and an OLED display upgrade. With the reported 2025 refresh, Apple appears to be accelerating its hardware cycle, potentially moving to an annual update rhythm for its pro tablets. The entry-level MacBook Pro, if priced competitively, could help Apple defend its position in the mid-range professional laptop market, where competitors like Dell's XPS and Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio have gained traction.

Analysts note that the timing of these releases could also coincide with the company's transition to a new CEO, though no specific timeline has been set for that change. The combination of new hardware and strategic pricing may be designed to stabilize revenue streams during a period of organizational and market uncertainty.