The Best Times to Buy a New iPad Every Year

The Apple iPad reigns supreme in the tablet world, boasting incredible versatility and a feature-rich experience. It's a dream tool for artists, a note-taking champion in classrooms, and even a capable laptop substitute with the right accessories. The possibilities are truly limitless. This power, 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.

By strategically timing your purchase around major holidays and sales events, you can potentially save up to 50% on a brand-new iPad. Knowing when to strike can be challenging, so we've compiled the best times to buy, making your decision easier. As we approach the 2025 sales season, keep an eye out for amazing Apple iPad deals!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Launch

The absolute best time to buy is around the release of new iPad models. Retailers typically stock two generations simultaneously, offloading older models to make room for the latest releases. This results in significant savings on previous-generation iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros.

Timing is crucial here. Different iPad models have varying release dates, so stay informed about new generation launches for specific models. A new iPad Air release won't necessarily trigger discounts on iPad Pros. Recent releases of the new iPad and iPad Air indicate price drops on their predecessors are imminent.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another excellent time to buy. Online retailers like Amazon offer substantial iPad deals, often including discounts on the current year's models. Some deals are flash sales, while others last the entire event. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. Expect Apple to offer bonus incentives, such as gift cards, with new iPad purchases closer to Cyber Monday.

New Year's

The New Year period is another great opportunity. Retailers often clear out leftover holiday inventory, leading to significant deals on iPads. While deep discounts on the latest models are less likely, older models frequently see price cuts of up to 60%. This is a solid alternative if you miss the holiday sales.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as lucrative as Black Friday, Prime Day still offers good iPad deals. Amazon consistently discounts various iPad models during its two-day event. This year, discounts even included the newest models, although the savings weren't as dramatic. Prime Day typically falls in mid-July (Tuesday and Wednesday), likely remaining consistent in 2025. An October Prime Day event is also anticipated.

Back-to-School Promotions

August, before the school year begins, often sees significant iPad discounts. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple frequently offers discounts on select models for several weeks leading up to the school year. Student-exclusive discounts offer even greater savings.

Although the timing may not be ideal for everyone, the savings are substantial. Last year, Apple included a $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases; expect similar incentives this year, combined with Labor Day sales.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently released new iPad models. The updated iPad Air (M3) starts at $599, and the new 11th-generation iPad starts at $349. These are iterative updates, not complete overhauls, but they're more powerful than their predecessors.