The Apple iPad stands out as a premier tablet, offering an array of functionalities that cater to a diverse user base. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking to harness its creative capabilities, a student aiming to streamline note-taking, or someone seeking a versatile laptop alternative, the iPad excels across these roles and more. Its utility comes at a premium, but savvy buyers can find significant savings by timing their purchase strategically.
Throughout the year, there are several key periods when you can snag an iPad at a discounted price, with savings potentially reaching up to 50%. To help you make an informed decision, we've outlined the best times to buy an iPad. As we approach the sales events of 2025, keep an eye out for deals on the latest iPad models!
Best Times to Buy an iPad
When New Models Release
The optimal time to purchase an iPad is during the launch window of new models. Retailers typically stock two generations of iPads at once, and to make room for the latest, they significantly discount the older models. This is a prime opportunity to save on the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, but timing is crucial. Each model's release schedule varies, so it's essential to keep track of when new generations of the specific model you're interested in are released. For instance, don't expect discounts on the iPad Pro during the iPad Air's new release cycle.
With the recent launch of the new iPad and iPad Air, you can anticipate price drops on their previous iterations soon.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday is another excellent time to buy an iPad. Major online retailers like Amazon offer deals across various iPad models, including current ones. These discounts can be time-limited or span the entire sales period. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad, and as Cyber Monday approaches, expect Apple to sweeten the deal with perks like a free Apple gift card.
New Year's
The start of the new year around New Year's is another opportune moment to purchase an iPad. Retailers, including Apple, aim to clear out remaining stock from the holiday season, resulting in substantial discounts. While deep discounts on the latest models are less common, you can expect older models to be discounted by up to 60%. This period is an excellent backup plan if you miss out on holiday sales.
Amazon Prime Day
Although not as robust as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day remains a solid time to buy an iPad. During this two-day event, Amazon consistently offers discounts on various iPad models, providing a reliable chance to score a deal. Last year, even the newest iPad models saw price cuts, albeit modest ones.
Prime Day traditionally occurs mid-July on a Tuesday and Wednesday, with a likely repeat in 2025. Additionally, Amazon is expected to host another Prime Day event in mid-October.
Back to School Promotions
As summer ends and school resumes in August, retailers often roll out significant discounts on iPads. Given their popularity among students, especially in higher education, Apple typically offers special promotions on select models during this time. Students can also benefit from exclusive discounts, making it an ideal time to invest in an iPad. Last year, purchases of the iPad Pro came with a free $100 gift card, and similar incentives are expected this year, along with additional Labor Day sales discounts.
New iPads Available in 2025
Apple recently refreshed its lineup with new iPad models in 2025, including the M3 iPad Air, starting at $599, and the 11th-generation baseline iPad, starting at $349. These updates enhance the performance over their predecessors, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to upgrade to the latest technology.
