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 budding artists to busy students. It even functions as a capable laptop replacement with the right accessories. This powerhouse of productivity, however, comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, there are several prime opportunities throughout the year to snag an iPad at a significantly reduced cost.

Waiting for major holidays and sales events can yield savings of up to 50% on a brand-new iPad. Knowing when to strike is key, so we've compiled the best times to buy, making your decision easier. As we approach the 2025 sales season, keep your eyes peeled for incredible Apple deals on top-tier iPad models!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Launch

The most opportune time to purchase an iPad is typically around the release of new models. Retailers often stock two generations simultaneously, leading them to heavily discount older models to clear inventory. This translates to substantial savings on iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros, particularly before and after a new generation's release.

Timing is crucial, however. Different iPad models have staggered release dates, so it's essential to track the launch of specific models you're interested in. A new iPad Air release won't necessarily impact iPad Pro pricing. The recent releases of the new iPad and iPad Air suggest price drops on previous generations are imminent.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another excellent time to buy. Online giants like Amazon offer compelling iPad deals, often including discounts on even the latest models. Some deals are flash sales, while others run throughout the event. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. As Cyber Monday approaches, expect Apple to sweeten the pot with bonuses, likely in the form of free Apple gift cards with new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The new year presents another fantastic opportunity. Retailers often clear out remaining holiday inventory, resulting in significant discounts on iPads. While substantial discounts on current-generation models are less common, older models frequently see price reductions of up to 60%. This is a great alternative if you miss the holiday sales.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day remains a reliable time to find iPad deals. Amazon consistently discounts various iPad models during this two-day event, making it a consistent window for finding good deals. This year, even the newest models saw discounts, though not dramatically steep. Prime Day usually falls in mid-July (Tuesday and Wednesday), a pattern likely to continue in 2025. Amazon may also host another Prime Day event in October.

Back to School Promotions

August, leading up to the back-to-school rush, often sees retailers offering substantial iPad discounts. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple frequently discounts select models for several weeks. Students can often secure additional discounts, maximizing their savings.

While the timing may not be ideal for everyone, the savings are significant. Last year's back-to-school promotions included a $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases; expect similar incentives and additional Labor Day discounts this year.

New iPads Available in 2025

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