Struggling to figure out the best time to buy an iPad? You’re not alone! It feels like Apple is always dropping new devices, and knowing when to pull the trigger to get the best deal or the latest tech can be a real head-scratcher. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Whether you’re eyeing an iPad Pro for creative work, an iPad Air for everyday tasks, a compact iPad Mini for on-the-go reading, or a simple iPad 10th Generation for the family, timing your purchase right can save you some serious cash or ensure you get the perfect device for your needs.
We’ll break down Apple’s typical release schedule, highlight the best times of the year for discounts, and even talk about when specific models make the most sense to buy. My goal here is to help you feel confident in your decision, so you end up with an iPad that you love without any buyer’s remorse. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when to pounce on that deal or when to hold out for the next big thing. Let’s get into it!
Understanding Apple’s Release Cycle
Apple has a pretty consistent, though sometimes unpredictable, rhythm when it comes to releasing new products, and iPads are no exception. Knowing this rhythm is super important because it directly impacts when older models get discounted and when you can expect the newest features.
Typically, Apple tends to refresh its iPad lineup at different times throughout the year. For instance, the high-end iPad Pro often sees updates in the spring or fall, sometimes even every 18 months or so rather than a strict annual cycle. The iPad Air and the standard iPad also follow their own patterns, which can be a bit more varied. The iPad Air 6th Generation, for example, was announced in May 2024, followed by the 7th generation in March 2025. The 10th-generation iPad was released in October 2022. And the iPad Mini, well, that one sometimes goes a while without an update, making it a bit harder to predict when a new one might drop. The 7th-generation iPad Mini was announced in October 2024.
What does this mean for you? Well, generally, the best time to snag a deal on an existing iPad model is right around or shortly after Apple announces new models. Retailers, and even Apple itself, will want to clear out older inventory to make room for the new shiny things. This is when you’ll see prices drop, sometimes significantly, on the previous generation models. For example, if a new iPad Air is announced, you might find some sweet deals on the older iPad Air versions.
So, keeping an eye on Apple’s event announcements is key. These usually happen in the spring March/April, summer WWDC in June, though less common for hardware releases, and fall September/October. While it’s exciting to get the absolute latest and greatest, sometimes a slightly older model, especially if it’s heavily discounted, can be a fantastic value, offering plenty of power for most users. When to Buy Holiday Flights: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals
The Best Times to Buy an iPad on Sale
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good deal? When it comes to iPads, waiting for specific sales events can really pay off. Here are the major times of the year you should mark on your calendar for potential iPad savings:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
This is hands down one of the best times to buy an iPad on sale. Starting in late November, leading up to and through the Cyber Monday weekend, retailers go all out with discounts. You’ll often see significant price drops on various iPad models, sometimes even on the current year’s models, though older generations usually get the deepest cuts. Last Black Friday, for instance, saw the 10th Gen iPad at an all-time low price of $249.99 originally $349, and the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi for $849 originally $999. Even accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro might see discounts.
Amazon Prime Day
Usually happening in July, Prime Day is Amazon’s massive sales event, and it’s a prime pun intended! opportunity to find discounted iPads. While it might not always beat Black Friday for sheer depth of discounts on the newest models, it consistently offers competitive prices on a range of iPads and their accessories. For example, during a recent Prime Day, you could find the Apple iPad 11-inch Wi-Fi 128GB for $279 20% off and the iPad Air 11-inch M3 Wi-Fi 128GB for $479 20% off. It’s a great mid-year chance to snag a deal if you missed out on earlier sales or can’t wait until November.
Back-to-School Promotions
If you’re a student, or buying for one, August is a fantastic time to look for iPad deals. Retailers often roll out special back-to-school promotions, and Apple itself sometimes offers student-exclusive discounts, like gift cards with an iPad purchase. These deals can range from direct price cuts to bonuses like free Apple Gift Cards that you can use on other Apple products or accessories. It’s a smart move if you need an iPad for studies. When to Buy a High Chair for Your Baby: Your Ultimate Guide
New Year’s & Other Holiday Sales
Right after the busy holiday season, around New Year’s, retailers often try to clear out leftover inventory. This means you might find some decent deals on older iPad models. While you might not see massive discounts on the very latest generations, previous models could be marked down significantly, sometimes up to 60% off. Other holidays like Labor Day also present opportunities, with various iPad models going on sale. For instance, a Labor Day sale might offer the Apple iPad 11-inch A16, 128GB for $299, a $50 saving.
Clearance Events After New Models are Announced
As we talked about earlier, when Apple announces a new generation of any iPad, retailers will often drop prices on the older models to make room. This isn’t tied to a specific holiday, but rather to Apple’s release schedule. Keep an eye on tech news sites and deal trackers after an Apple event, as this is when retailers will quietly discount the outgoing models. You might have to act fast, though, as popular older models can sell out quickly.
When to Buy Specific iPad Models
Each iPad model caters to a different user, and their refresh cycles and typical discounts can vary. Let’s break down when to consider buying each one.
When to Buy iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful tablet, designed for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and heavy multitasking. It often features Apple’s most advanced chips like the M4 in the latest models and cutting-edge displays.
- Release Cycle: The iPad Pro usually gets refreshed every 18 months or so, rather than a strict annual cycle. For example, the 6th generation iPad Pro came out in October 2022, and the 7th generation, featuring the M4 chip and an OLED display, was released in May 2024.
- Best Time to Buy: If you absolutely need the latest and greatest performance, the best time to buy is usually shortly after a new model is released. This ensures you’re getting the most up-to-date technology. However, if you’re looking to save money, keep an eye out right before a new model is rumored to drop, as retailers will start clearing out the previous generation. You’ll still get an incredibly powerful device at a significant discount. For instance, Black Friday 2024 saw the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro 256GB Wi-Fi for $849, a $150 saving. Prime Day 2025 also had the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro for $899, $100 off.
- Consider Your Needs: Do you truly need the M4 chip and OLED display for your workflow, or would an M2-powered iPad Pro still handle everything you throw at it? For many users, a previous-generation iPad Pro is more than sufficient and can be a fantastic value, especially when discounted.
When to Buy iPad Air
The iPad Air strikes a fantastic balance between power, portability, and price, making it the sweet spot for a lot of people. It’s great for students, casual creative work, and media consumption.
- Release Cycle: The iPad Air has seen more frequent updates recently. The 5th generation M1 chip was released in March 2022, the 6th generation M2 chip in May 2024, and the 7th generation M3 chip in March 2025. Apple also introduced 11-inch and 13-inch size options for the Air starting with the 6th generation.
- Best Time to Buy: Similar to the Pro, the best time for deals on an iPad Air is often after a new model is announced, when the previous generation sees price drops. For instance, the M2 iPad Air was available for $499 $100 off during Black Friday 2024. If you’re okay with not having the absolute newest chip, snagging a discounted previous-gen Air is a smart move. Prime Day and Back-to-School sales are also excellent times to find these deals. The M3 iPad Air 11-inch saw a $150 discount, bringing its price to $449, during a recent September sale.
- Why the Air? It often gets many of the Pro’s premium features like USB-C and Apple Pencil support but at a more palatable price. For everyday tasks, light gaming, and most productivity, the iPad Air is more than capable.
When to Buy iPad Mini
The iPad Mini is all about portability. It’s perfect for reading, quick notes, and gaming on the go, thanks to its compact size.
- Release Cycle: Historically, the iPad Mini has had less frequent and less predictable updates compared to its larger siblings. The 6th generation, which brought a major redesign with an edge-to-edge display and USB-C, was released in September 2021. The 7th generation, with an A17 Pro chip and other minor upgrades, was announced in October 2024.
- Best Time to Buy: Given its less frequent updates, you don’t always have to wait for a new model announcement for deals. If you see a good discount on the current generation during Black Friday, Prime Day, or other holiday sales, it’s usually a good time to buy. For example, during Black Friday 2024, the iPad Mini 7 128GB Wi-Fi was $449.99 $49 off. Prime Day 2025 saw the Apple iPad Mini 8.3-inch Wi-Fi 128GB for $379 $120 off.
- Portability First: If a small, powerful tablet is your priority, the Mini is unmatched. Don’t worry too much about waiting for the next version unless rumors are very strong for an imminent release and you need the absolute latest chip.
When to Buy iPad 10th Generation and other base models
The standard iPad is often the best value for most people, covering all the basics for browsing, streaming, light work, and general apps. The 10th generation offered a significant design overhaul.
- Release Cycle: The base iPad typically sees updates more regularly than the Mini, but less frequently than the Air or Pro. The 10th generation was released in October 2022. An 11th generation iPad A16 chip was released in March 2025.
- Best Time to Buy: This model is almost always a good candidate for discounts during major sales events. Black Friday, Prime Day, Back-to-School, and even Labor Day sales are excellent opportunities. For instance, the 10th Gen iPad 64GB Wi-Fi was available for an all-time low of $249.99 during Black Friday 2024. Recently, the 10th-gen iPad was spotted at Walmart for $269, an $80 discount. The 11th-gen iPad A16, 128GB also saw a $50 discount to $299 on Amazon during a Labor Day sale.
- Great Value: If you’re looking for a reliable, everyday tablet without breaking the bank, the standard iPad, especially a slightly older generation on sale, is usually your best bet. It offers solid performance for general use and has a long support life from Apple.
When to Buy an iPad for Kids
Choosing an iPad for kids involves a slightly different set of priorities, mainly focusing on durability, affordability, and access to educational and entertainment apps.
- Model Recommendation: For most kids, the standard iPad like the 9th or 10th generation is usually the top recommendation. They are powerful enough for games, streaming, and homework, but are also the most affordable, making them less painful to replace if something happens. The 11th-generation iPad A16 is also a good option. For younger children, a refurbished older model might even be sufficient. If you have older kids or teens who need more power for creative projects or demanding schoolwork, the iPad Air 11-inch is a great choice. The iPad Mini is also excellent for smaller hands due to its compact size.
- Best Time to Buy: Focus on Back-to-School sales in August and Black Friday/Cyber Monday in November, as these often have the best deals on entry-level iPads. Also, keep an eye out after new models are released, as older generations get discounted, offering even better value for kids who don’t need the latest chip.
- Essential Accessories: Regardless of the model, a durable case is a must for kids. Look for Kids iPad Cases with extra padding and screen protection. Many cases even come with stands or handles, making them more kid-friendly.
Should You Buy a New iPad or a Refurbished/Used One?
This is a common dilemma, and there are good arguments for both sides. Let’s break it down to help you decide. When to buy flights to europe
Buying New
- Pros: You get the latest technology, a full Apple warranty, and a pristine device with no wear and tear. You’re also guaranteed the longest software support life, meaning your iPad will receive updates for many years to come. Plus, the unboxing experience is pretty sweet!
- Cons: It’s the most expensive option. If you’re on a tight budget, buying new might mean settling for a less powerful model than you could get if you considered refurbished.
- When to Consider: If you need the cutting-edge performance e.g., for professional creative work on an iPad Pro, want the peace of mind of a full warranty, or simply prefer owning a brand-new device, buying new is the way to go. Even then, try to time it with a sale if you can!
Buying Refurbished or Used
- Pros: This is where you can find significant savings! Certified refurbished iPads often come directly from Apple or authorized resellers, meaning they’ve been inspected, repaired if needed, and come with a warranty, sometimes even a full one year. You can often get a higher-end model for the price of a mid-range new one. For example, a refurbished iPad might offer a 20-30% discount off the original price. Websites like Amazon also offer Certified Refurbished Electronics with warranties.
- Cons: While certified refurbished devices are generally reliable, you might not get the absolute newest model. The warranty might be shorter than a new device, and there could be minor cosmetic imperfections though usually not on certified devices. Buying used from unofficial sources carries more risk, as warranties are often nonexistent, and the device’s condition might not be as described.
- When to Consider: If saving money is a top priority, and you’re comfortable with a slightly older model, then going refurbished is an excellent choice. This is especially true for models like the iPad Air or standard iPad for general use, or even older iPad Pros if you’re not doing intensely demanding tasks. Just make sure to buy from reputable sources like Apple’s official refurbished store or authorized retailers on Amazon that offer strong return policies and warranties.
Practical Tips for Your iPad Purchase
Alright, before you hit that “buy” button, let’s go over a few practical considerations to make sure you get the right iPad for you.
Assess Your Needs vs. Wants
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest features, but take a moment to honestly evaluate what you’ll primarily use your iPad for.
- Basic browsing, email, streaming movies, light gaming? A standard iPad 10th Generation or even a 9th generation will likely be more than enough.
- Taking notes in class, casual drawing, some productivity work, more serious gaming? An iPad Air is probably your sweet spot, offering more power and a better display than the base model.
- Professional video editing, graphic design, demanding creative applications, or looking to replace your laptop? The iPad Pro with its powerful M-series chip and advanced display is what you’ll want to aim for.
- Ultimate portability for reading and quick tasks? The iPad Mini is your best friend.
Don’t overspend on features you’ll never use!
Storage Capacity Considerations
This is a big one, and often a place where people regret their choices. You can’t upgrade iPad storage later, so choose wisely.
- 64GB: This is generally considered the bare minimum world. It’s fine if you mostly stream content, use cloud storage extensively, and don’t download many large apps or games. However, you’ll likely feel constrained quickly, especially with iOS updates taking up space.
- 128GB/256GB: These are the sweet spots for most users. 128GB is good for general use, some downloaded movies, and a decent library of apps. 256GB offers much more breathing room for larger app libraries, more local media, and bigger project files, making it a solid choice for students or casual creatives.
- 512GB/1TB/2TB: These capacities are mainly for power users or professionals working with large files like 4K video, high-resolution photos, or complex 3D models on an iPad Pro. If you know you need this much space, you probably already have a good reason.
Remember, the price jump for more storage can be significant, but it’s often a better investment than constantly running out of space.
Wi-Fi vs. Cellular
Another choice that impacts price and utility:
- Wi-Fi Only: This is the more affordable option and perfectly fine if you primarily use your iPad at home, work, or other places with reliable Wi-Fi. You can always tether to your phone’s hotspot when you’re out and about, though it will drain your phone’s battery.
- Wi-Fi + Cellular: This option includes a cellular modem, allowing you to connect to mobile data networks with a separate data plan even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. This is ideal for those who need constant internet access on their iPad for work, travel, or simply prefer the convenience. It adds to the initial cost and requires a monthly data plan, but for some, the freedom is worth it.
Accessories: Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Cases
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of accessories, as they can significantly enhance your iPad experience and add to the overall price.
- Apple Pencil: Essential for artists, note-takers, and anyone who wants precise input. The base iPad 10th Gen supports the Apple Pencil USB-C or Apple Pencil 1st generation. The iPad Air and Pro models support the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro or Apple Pencil USB-C. Sometimes, these see discounts during sales, like the Apple Pencil Pro for $99 during Prime Day.
- Magic Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio: If you plan to use your iPad for serious typing or as a laptop replacement, a keyboard case is a must. The Magic Keyboard offers a fantastic typing experience and trackpad. Look out for deals on these during major sales events, too. Black Friday 2024 saw the M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard discounted.
- Cases: A good case is vital for protecting your investment, especially if you’re taking your iPad out and about. There are tons of options, from slim folios to rugged protective cases.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and get an iPad that truly fits your lifestyle and budget. Happy shopping! Understanding Call Options
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to buy a new iPad?
The best time to buy a new iPad is generally shortly after Apple releases new models typically in spring or fall or during major retail sales events like Black Friday/Cyber Monday late November, Amazon Prime Day July, and Back-to-School promotions August. These periods offer the best chances for discounts on both new and previous-generation models.
Do iPads ever go on sale?
Yes, absolutely! iPads frequently go on sale, especially during big shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and back-to-school season. Retailers also often discount older models when new ones are released, making it a great time to snag a deal.
When did the latest iPad models come out?
As of our latest information, the 7th-generation iPad Pro M4 chip and 6th-generation iPad Air M2 chip were released in May 2024. The 7th-generation iPad Air M3 chip was released in March 2025. The 11th-generation standard iPad A16 chip was also released in March 2025. The 7th-generation iPad Mini was announced in October 2024.
Is it better to buy an older iPad model on sale or wait for a new one?
It depends on your budget and needs! If you’re looking to save money and don’t require the absolute latest performance, buying a previous-generation iPad on sale is often a smart move. These models still offer excellent performance for most tasks and receive long-term software support from Apple. However, if you need cutting-edge features, the fastest processor, or simply want the latest tech, waiting for a new model and potentially buying it during an initial sale like Prime Day or Black Friday might be worth it. When to Buy Baby Stuff: Your Ultimate Timeline & Smart Shopping Guide
Should I buy an iPad Pro or iPad Air for a student?
For most students, the iPad Air is an excellent choice. It offers a great balance of power especially with the M-series chips, a beautiful display, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard at a more accessible price point than the Pro. The iPad Pro is ideal for students in fields requiring heavy creative work e.g., design, video editing due to its more powerful chip and advanced display, but it comes with a higher cost.
Where can I find the best deals on iPads?
You can find the best iPad deals at major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, especially during their big sales events. Apple’s official refurbished store is also a great source for certified refurbished iPads with warranties. Don’t forget to check educational discounts if you’re a student or educator.
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