The Apple iPad reigns supreme in the tablet world, boasting incredible versatility and a wealth of features. It's a dream machine for artists, a note-taking powerhouse for students, and even a surprisingly capable laptop replacement with the right accessories. The possibilities are truly endless. This impressive functionality, however, comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, savvy shoppers can snag significant discounts throughout the year.
Waiting for major holidays and sales events can yield savings of up to 50% on a brand-new iPad. To help you time your purchase perfectly, we've compiled the best times to buy an iPad below.
Best Times to Buy an iPad
When New Models Release
The absolute best time to buy an iPad is around the launch of new models. Retailers typically stock two generations simultaneously, aggressively discounting older models to make room for the latest releases. This means substantial savings on iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros shortly before or after new models arrive.
Timing is key, however. Different iPad models have staggered release dates, so keep an eye on specific model announcements. A new iPad Air release won't necessarily trigger discounts on iPad Pros. The recent releases of the new iPad and iPad Air suggest price drops on their predecessors are imminent.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday is another prime opportunity. Online retailers like Amazon offer competitive iPad deals, often including discounts on even the newest models. Expect a mix of limited-time flash sales and longer-running promotions. Early Black Friday deals have already surfaced, such as discounts on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. As Cyber Monday approaches, anticipate bonus offers from Apple, possibly including free gift cards with new iPad purchases.
New Year's
The New Year period often presents excellent deals as retailers clear out remaining holiday inventory. While deep discounts on current-generation models are less likely, older models frequently see reductions of up to 60%. This is a strong alternative if you miss the holiday sales.
Amazon Prime Day
While not as consistently lucrative as Black Friday for iPad deals, Amazon Prime Day remains a reliable option. Amazon consistently discounts various iPad models during its two-day event, making it a dependable window for finding a good deal. Even the newest models have seen discounts in past Prime Days, although the savings may not be as substantial. Prime Day typically falls in mid-July, likely remaining consistent in 2025. An additional October Prime Day event is also anticipated.
Back to School Promotions
August, the period leading up to the new school year, often sees significant iPad discounts. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple and other retailers frequently offer promotions during this period. Student-exclusive discounts can further enhance savings. Although the timing might not be ideal for everyone, the potential savings are substantial. Past promotions have included free gift cards with iPad Pro purchases, suggesting similar offers are likely in 2025, potentially combined with Labor Day sales.
New iPads Available in 2025
Apple recently released updated iPad models. The M3 iPad Air (starting at $599) and the 11th-generation iPad (starting at $349) represent spec-bump upgrades rather than complete overhauls, but offer improved performance over their predecessors.
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