Apple Developing Vapor Chamber Cooling for Future iPad Pro, Targeting Spring 2027 Launch

Apple is reportedly working on a vapor chamber cooling system for a future iPad Pro, with plans to introduce the feature as early as spring 2027, according to the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter. The update also reveals progress on Apple Maps ads and new setbacks for the company’s long-rumored 18-inch foldable iPad.

Vapor Chamber Coming to iPad Pro

The move follows the successful implementation of vapor chamber cooling in the iPhone 17 Pro, which dramatically improved thermal performance during heavy workloads. Gurman says the feature allows Apple’s devices to sustain high performance without overheating or throttling—an issue that affected earlier iPhone Pro models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, which could become “uncomfortably hot to hold.”

Recent teardowns have confirmed the iPhone’s vapor chamber hardware, signaling a broader rollout across Apple’s top-tier products. For the iPad Pro, the technology will help manage the increasing heat output of Apple’s M-series chips, which continue to rival desktop performance.

With the new M5 iPad Pro already benchmarking close to an M1 Ultra Mac Studio, improved thermal efficiency is becoming critical. Gurman reports that the vapor chamber system could debut alongside the M6 chip, expected to be Apple’s first tablet processor built on a 2-nanometer architecture. That next-gen silicon is projected to deliver major gains in both speed and energy efficiency.

Foldable iPad Faces Delays

The newsletter also reiterates that Apple’s 18-inch foldable iPad has encountered development hurdles, potentially pushing its release to 2029 or later. This aligns with earlier leaks that suggested the device’s ultra-thin flexible glass technology remains in early-stage testing, with durability and cost concerns slowing progress.

When launched, the foldable is expected to bridge the gap between the iPad Pro and MacBook Air, offering a large-screen form factor that can double as a portable workstation.

Apple Maps Ads in Development

In a separate note, Gurman reports that Apple is advancing plans to introduce ads in Apple Maps, part of a larger effort to expand its advertising business beyond the App Store and News app. The move could see local search ads or promoted listings integrated directly into Maps’ interface, similar to Google’s existing model.

Positioning and Market Outlook

A fanless vapor chamber design would further distinguish the iPad Pro from the iPad Air, which is slated to adopt the M4 chip in 2026. The cooling system could also pave the way for future fanless MacBooks, especially as Apple continues to emphasize thin, silent performance in its premium hardware lineup.

Gurman adds that, like the iPhone, Apple is likely to market the vapor chamber as a key breakthrough in device performance and sustainability.

The current M5-powered iPad Pro is available now in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, starting at $999, with listings live on Apple’s online store and Amazon.