Major clue signals MacBook Pro and iPad Pro devices arriving soon

If you're currently looking to order a new iPad Pro or base model MacBook Pro from the Apple Store, you might be waiting a while longer than you expected.

As Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman noticed on Monday evening, Apple customers thinking about purchasing an iPad Pro M4 or a base model 14-inch MacBook Pro are being told there are longer than usual shipping estimates. Gurman reported an October 21 to 28 timeline for shipping of either device.

Shipping delays with Apple are usually attributed to inventory. It seems Apple just doesn't have these models in stock. Low inventory could be simply because Apple has sold out of these items. However, there are some other factors here that suggest there's more to it. Other models of these devices are not experiencing the same shipping delays. In addition, the low inventory models just happen to be devices that have been rumored to receive a refresh.

The shipping delays are actually a pretty good clue that inventory is low for these devices because Apple is preparing to roll out new models.

"A good as any sign for an imminent iPad Pro M5 debut," Gurman said in a post on X. "Entry (non Pro/Max chip) 14-inch MacBook Pros as well."

As Mashable previously covered, an iPad Pro M5 and MacBook Pro M5 have reportedly been slotted for a release before the end of the year. In fact, there are a few smaller releases expected before 2026 that Apple could drop with new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro announcements too, like the AirTags 2, HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K.

Apple has previously put on smaller product announcement events in October, so we may very well find out before the month is over.