Best Times to Buy a New iPad Annually

Apple's iPad stands out as one of the premier tablets on the market, boasting a wide range of uses and features that cater to diverse needs. It's an excellent tool for budding artists, perfect for note-taking in educational settings, and can even serve as a capable laptop substitute with the appropriate accessories. The versatility of the iPad is unmatched, but as with many high-quality products, it comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, there are several opportunities throughout the year to snag an iPad at a discounted price.

By waiting for major holidays or sales events, you can potentially save up to 50% on a brand-new iPad. Timing a purchase of this magnitude can be challenging, so we've put together a guide on the best times to buy an iPad to simplify your decision-making process. As we approach the various sales events scheduled for 2025, keep an eye out for enticing Apple deals on the latest iPad models!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Release

The optimal time to purchase a new iPad is typically around the release of new models. Retailers usually stock two generations of iPads simultaneously, prompting them to discount the older models to clear inventory when new ones hit the market. This strategy allows significant savings on the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro if you time your purchase just before or after new releases.

However, timing can be tricky since different iPad models have varying release schedules throughout the year. It's crucial to track the release dates of specific models to maximize savings. For instance, you won't find discounts on an iPad Pro during the release of new iPad Air models.

Following the recent launch of the latest iPad and iPad Air, expect prices on the previous generations to drop soon.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another prime opportunity to buy an iPad. Online giants like Amazon offer iPad deals, including discounts on the latest models. These deals vary, with some being short-lived and others spanning the entire sale period. We've already seen an early Black Friday offer on the 2021 9th Gen iPad. As Cyber Monday approaches, anticipate additional incentives from Apple, such as a complimentary Apple gift card with new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The beginning of the year, particularly around New Year's, is another excellent time to buy an iPad. Retailers and Apple often aim to clear out remaining inventory after the holiday rush, leading to substantial discounts on iPads. While major discounts on the current generation might be rare, older models can see reductions of up to 60%. If you missed the holiday sales, this is a solid alternative without a long wait.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day remains a great time to purchase an iPad. Amazon consistently offers discounts on various iPad models during this two-day event, making it a reliable period to find a good deal. Last year, even the newest iPad models saw some price cuts, though they were not as significant.

Prime Day typically occurs in mid-July on a Tuesday and Wednesday, a pattern likely to continue in 2025. Additionally, Amazon often hosts another Prime Day event in mid-October.

Back to School Promotions

August, just before the school year starts, is another period when retailers offer hefty discounts on iPads. Given their popularity among students, especially in college, Apple typically discounts select iPad models for a few weeks leading up to the new school term. Students can also benefit from exclusive discounts, further enhancing savings on a new iPad.

Although the end of summer might not be the most convenient time to buy, it's a guaranteed way to save money. Last year, Apple included a free $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases, and similar promotions, along with additional Labor Day sales discounts, are expected this year.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently unveiled new iPad models, including a refresh of the iPad Air and the new 11th-generation iPad. The M3 iPad Air starts at $599, while the 11th-generation baseline iPad starts at $349. These updates are more about incremental improvements rather than major redesigns, but they offer enhanced performance over their predecessors, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to invest in a new Apple tablet in 2025.