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-rich experience. It's a dream tool for artists, a note-taking champion for students, and even a surprisingly capable laptop replacement with the right accessories. The possibilities are truly boundless. Naturally, such a powerful and versatile device comes with a premium price tag. But don't despair! Several times a year, you can snag an iPad at a significantly reduced price.

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 buy can be tricky, so we've compiled the best times to score an iPad deal below to simplify your search. As we approach the exciting sales events of 2025, keep your eyes peeled for amazing Apple iPad deals!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Launch

The absolute best time to buy an iPad is usually right around the release of new models. Retailers typically stock two generations simultaneously, so they often heavily discount the older generation to make room for the newest releases. This means significant savings on iPads, iPad Airs, and even iPad Pros, particularly just before or after a new model launch.

Timing is crucial, though. Different iPad models have varying release dates, so pay close attention to the launch schedules for specific models. Don't expect a discounted iPad Pro when a new iPad Air is released, for example. The recent release of the new iPad and iPad Air means that prices on the previous generations should be dropping soon.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday is another prime time to buy an iPad. Online giants like Amazon usually offer impressive iPad deals, with discounts often extending to even the current year's models. Some deals will be flash sales, while others run throughout the entire 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 like free Apple gift cards with new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The start of the year, around New Year's, is another excellent opportunity. Retailers often try to clear out leftover holiday inventory, leading to substantial discounts on iPads. While you might not see huge discounts on the newest models, older generations frequently see price cuts of up to 60%. If you miss the holiday sales, this is a strong alternative.

Amazon Prime Day

While not as consistently lucrative as Black Friday for iPad deals, Amazon Prime Day still offers a good chance to find a bargain. Amazon always discounts various iPad models during its two-day sale, making it a reliable window for finding a deal. This year, Amazon even offered discounts on the newest iPad models, although the price cuts weren't enormous.

Prime Day typically occurs in mid-July on a Tuesday and Wednesday, a pattern likely to continue in 2025. Amazon may also hold another Prime Day event in October, starting around mid-month.

Back-to-School Promotions

August, right before the school year begins, is another excellent time to buy. Retailers frequently offer significant discounts on iPads during this period, especially targeting students. Apple often discounts select models for several weeks leading up to the school year. Students can also often take advantage of exclusive student discounts for even greater savings.

While the end of summer might not be ideal for everyone, the savings are substantial. Last year, Apple included a free $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases—expect similar incentives and additional discounts from Labor Day sales in 2025.

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 more spec-bump updates than major overhauls, they are the newest 2025 models and offer improved performance over their predecessors.