The Apple iPad is widely regarded as the premier tablet on the market, offering a versatile range of uses and features. It's an excellent tool for budding artists, ideal for note-taking in class, and with the right accessories, it can even serve as a laptop alternative. The possibilities are endless, making the iPad a highly sought-after device. Given its utility, it's no surprise that it comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, there are several opportunities throughout the year to purchase an iPad at a discounted rate.
By waiting for major holidays or sales events, you could potentially save up to 50% on a brand-new iPad. Deciding when to make such a significant purchase can be challenging, so we've outlined the best times to buy an iPad to simplify your decision-making process. As we approach the sales events of 2025, keep an eye out for attractive Apple deals on the top iPad models!
Best Times to Buy an iPad
When New Models Release
The optimal time to buy an iPad is just before or right after the launch of new models. Retailers typically stock two generations of iPads, and they often offer significant discounts on the older models when a new one is released. This strategy applies to the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, allowing you to save considerably.
However, timing can be tricky as different iPad models have varied release schedules throughout the year. It's crucial to track the release dates for the specific model you're interested in. For instance, if you're eyeing an iPad Pro, you won't find a discount during the release of new iPad Air models.
With the recent release of the new iPad and iPad Air, expect prices on the previous generations to drop soon.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday presents another excellent opportunity to purchase an iPad. Online retailers like Amazon offer iPad deals, including discounts on the latest models. Some of these deals are time-limited, while others span the entire sales period. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. As Cyber Monday approaches, anticipate additional incentives from Apple, such as a free Apple gift card with new iPad purchases.
New Year's
The beginning of the year, around New Year's, is also a prime time to buy an iPad. Retailers, including Apple, aim to clear out leftover holiday inventory, leading to substantial discounts on devices like iPads. While deep discounts on the current generation might be rare, you can find older models at up to 60% off. If you miss the holiday sales, this is a great alternative, and you won't have to wait long after.
Amazon Prime Day
Although Amazon Prime Day might not be as lucrative as Black Friday for iPad deals, it remains one of the best times to buy one. Amazon consistently offers discounts on various iPad models during this two-day event, making it a reliable period to snag a good deal. This year, even the newest iPad models saw price cuts, though they were not as significant.
Prime Day typically occurs in mid-July, usually on a Tuesday and Wednesday, and is expected to follow the same pattern in 2025. Additionally, Amazon is likely to host another Prime Day event in October, starting around the middle of the month.
Back to School Promotions
August, just before the school year starts, is another excellent time to buy an iPad due to back-to-school promotions. Retailers often offer substantial discounts on Apple iPads during this period, as they are popular among students, especially in college. Apple typically discounts select iPad models for a few weeks in August. Students can also benefit from exclusive discounts, further reducing the cost of a new iPad.
While the end of summer might not be the most convenient time to buy, it's a guaranteed way to save money. Last year, Apple offered a free $100 gift card with any iPad Pro purchase, and you can expect similar promotions this year, along with additional discounts during Labor Day sales.
New iPads Available in 2025
Apple recently released new iPad models, including a refresh of the iPad Air and the new 11th generation iPad. The M3 iPad Air, starting at $599, and the new 11th-generation baseline iPad, starting at $349, are more powerful than their predecessors, making them excellent choices if you're looking to buy a new Apple tablet in 2025. These updates are more about enhancing specifications rather than major redesigns.
