The Best Times to Buy a New iPad Every Year

The Apple iPad reigns supreme in the tablet world, boasting unparalleled versatility and a feature set that caters to everyone from aspiring artists to busy students. Its capabilities even extend to functioning as a makeshift laptop with the right accessories. Such a powerful tool naturally comes with a premium price tag, but savvy shoppers can snag significant savings throughout the year. We've compiled the best times to buy an iPad, helping you maximize your budget.

Major holidays and sales events often deliver discounts of up to 50% on brand-new iPads. Knowing when to strike is key, so let's dive into the optimal buying periods for 2025 and beyond.

Best Times to Buy an iPad

New Model Releases

The most opportune time to buy an iPad is typically just before or after the release of new models. Retailers often stock two generations simultaneously, leading to significant price drops on older models to clear inventory. You can score deals on iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros during these periods. However, remember that different iPad models have staggered release dates; a new iPad Air release won't necessarily discount iPad Pros. The recent releases of the new iPad and iPad Air mean that previous generations should see price reductions shortly.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another prime opportunity to find iPad deals. Online giants like Amazon frequently offer substantial discounts, sometimes even on the latest models. These deals range from limited-time offers to sales lasting the entire event. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. Expect bundled offers from Apple, such as free gift cards, as Cyber Monday approaches.

New Year's

The post-holiday period around New Year's often sees retailers clearing out remaining inventory, resulting in attractive deals on iPads. While significant discounts on the newest models are less common, older generations can see reductions of up to 60%. This is a great alternative if you miss the holiday sales.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as consistently lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day still offers a good chance to find iPad deals. Amazon regularly discounts various iPad models during its two-day event. Even the newest models have seen discounts in the past, though the savings might not be as dramatic. Prime Day typically falls in mid-July (Tuesday and Wednesday) and may also include an October event in 2025.

Back to School Promotions

August, leading up to the back-to-school season, often sees retailers offering substantial discounts on iPads. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple frequently runs promotions during this period. Student-exclusive discounts can further enhance your savings. While the timing may not be ideal for everyone, the potential savings are significant. Last year's back-to-school promotions included a free $100 gift card with select iPad Pro purchases—expect similar offers in 2025, potentially combined with Labor Day sales.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently released updated iPad Air (M3) and 11th-generation iPad models. These are incremental upgrades rather than complete overhauls but offer enhanced performance compared to their predecessors. The iPad Air starts at $599, and the 11th-generation iPad starts at $349.