The Best Times to Buy a New iPad Every Year

The Apple iPad reigns supreme in the tablet world, boasting unparalleled versatility and a wealth of features. It's a dream tool for artists, a note-taking champion in classrooms, and even a surprisingly capable laptop replacement with the right accessories. The possibilities are truly limitless. This powerhouse of productivity, however, comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, savvy shoppers can snag significant discounts throughout the year.

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 an iPad to simplify your shopping journey. As we approach the exciting sales events of 2025, keep your eyes peeled for incredible Apple deals on the best iPad models!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Release

The absolute best time to buy an iPad is typically around the launch of new models. Retailers usually stock two iPad generations simultaneously, aggressively discounting older models to make room for the latest releases. This means substantial savings on iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros, particularly before and immediately after new model announcements.

Timing is crucial, however. Different iPad models have staggered release dates, so keep an eye on specific model announcements. Don't expect a discounted iPad Pro when a new iPad Air launches.

The recent release of the new iPad and iPad Air indicates that prices on previous generations should begin dropping soon.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another prime opportunity to score an iPad deal. Online retailers like Amazon offer competitive discounts, often extending to current-year models. Some deals are flash sales, while others last the duration of 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, such as free Apple gift cards with new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The New Year period is another excellent time to find iPad bargains. Retailers often clear out leftover holiday inventory, leading to significant discounts. While major discounts on the latest models are less common, older models frequently see reductions of up to 60%. This is a strong alternative if you miss the holiday sales.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day still offers compelling iPad deals. Amazon consistently discounts various iPad models during its two-day sale, making it a reliable window for finding a good deal. Even the newest models sometimes see discounts, although the savings might be less dramatic.

Prime Day typically 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 season, often brings significant iPad discounts. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple frequently offers promotions on select models for several weeks. Students can often claim additional, exclusive discounts, maximizing their savings.

Although the timing might not suit everyone, the savings are substantial. Last year, Apple bundled a $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases; similar offers, along with Labor Day discounts, are anticipated this year.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently released new iPad models. The latest updates include the M3 iPad Air (starting at $599) and the 11th-generation iPad (starting at $349). While these are iterative updates rather than complete overhauls, they offer enhanced performance compared to their predecessors, making them attractive options for prospective buyers.