The Apple iPad reigns supreme in the tablet world, boasting unparalleled versatility and a wealth of features. Whether you're a budding artist, a student diligently taking notes, or someone needing a portable laptop alternative (with the right accessories, of course), the iPad seamlessly adapts to your needs. Its impressive capabilities come at a price, but thankfully, there are strategic times throughout the year when you can snag an iPad at a significantly reduced cost.

Scoring a deal on a premium device like an iPad requires a bit of timing. To simplify your search for the best deals, we've compiled the optimal moments to buy an iPad in 2025 and beyond.

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Launch

The most significant savings usually occur around the release of new iPad models. Retailers typically stock two generations simultaneously, leading to deep discounts on older models to make room for the latest releases. This applies across the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro lines. However, timing is crucial; discounts on one model won't necessarily coincide with the release of a different model. Keep an eye out for announcements of new iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro releases. The recent launches of the new iPad and iPad Air mean that previous generation models should see price drops soon.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is a goldmine for iPad deals. Online giants like Amazon consistently offer substantial discounts, often extending to the current year's models. Expect a mix of limited-time flash sales and longer-running promotions. We've already seen early Black Friday deals on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. As Cyber Monday approaches, anticipate bundled offers from Apple, such as free gift cards with new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The post-holiday period around New Year's often presents another excellent opportunity. Retailers aim to clear out remaining inventory, resulting in attractive deals, especially on older models (expect discounts up to 60%). While discounts on the latest models might be less dramatic, this is a strong alternative if you miss the holiday sales.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as consistently lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day still offers solid iPad deals. Amazon consistently discounts various iPad models during its two-day event, making it a reliable window for finding a good deal. This year, Amazon even offered discounts on the newest iPad models, although the price cuts weren't exceptionally steep. Prime Day typically occurs in mid-July and potentially again in October.

Back to School Promotions

August, the back-to-school season, often sees retailers offering substantial iPad discounts. Given the popularity of iPads among students, Apple frequently discounts select models for several weeks leading up to the school year. Student-exclusive discounts can further enhance your savings. Last year's promotions included free gift cards with iPad Pro purchases; expect similar offers in 2025, potentially combined with Labor Day sales.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently refreshed the iPad Air (M3 chip, starting at $599) and the 11th-generation iPad (starting at $349). These are incremental updates, but they offer enhanced performance compared to their predecessors.