Best Times to Buy a New iPad Annually

The Apple iPad stands out as arguably the best tablet on the market, offering a versatile range of uses and features that cater to everyone from budding artists to note-taking students and even those looking for a laptop alternative with the right accessories. Its utility is truly boundless, but such versatility comes with a premium price tag. Fortunately, savvy shoppers can snag a discounted iPad during multiple sales events throughout the year.

By waiting for major holidays or sales events, you might save up to 50% off a brand-new iPad. Timing your purchase can be challenging, but we've gathered the best times to buy an iPad to simplify your decision-making process. As we approach the sales events of 2025, keep an eye out for Apple deals on the best iPad models!

Best Times to Buy an iPad

When New Models Release

The optimal time to purchase a new iPad is around the release of new models. Retailers typically stock two generations of iPads at once, and they tend to discount the older generation heavily to clear inventory when a new one hits the market. This strategy applies to the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. However, timing is crucial since different models release at different times throughout the year. For instance, don't expect a discount on the iPad Pro when new iPad Air models are released.

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

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday presents another excellent opportunity to buy an iPad. Online giants like Amazon offer deals on iPads, including discounts on the latest models. These deals might be short-lived or span the entire sale period. An early Black Friday deal on the 2021 9th Gen iPad has already surfaced, and as Cyber Monday approaches, expect Apple to sweeten the deal with a free Apple gift card alongside new iPad purchases.

New Year's

The beginning of the year around New Year's is another prime time to snag a new iPad. Retailers, including Apple, aim to clear out leftover holiday stock, resulting in significant discounts. While major discounts on the current generation might be scarce, you can find older models at up to 60% off. If you miss the holiday sales, this is your next best chance, and you won't have to wait long.

Amazon Prime Day

Although not as lucrative as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day remains a stellar time to buy an iPad. Amazon consistently offers discounts on various iPad models during its two-day event, making it a reliable window for deals. This year, even the newest iPad models saw discounts, albeit modest ones.

Prime Day typically occurs mid-July on a Tuesday and Wednesday, a trend likely to continue into 2025. Additionally, Amazon is expected to host another Prime Day in October, starting mid-month.

Back to School Promotions

August marks another great time to buy an iPad, thanks to back-to-school promotions. As many students, particularly in college, rely on iPads, Apple often discounts select models in the weeks leading up to the school year. Students can also benefit from exclusive discounts, maximizing savings on a new iPad. While the end of summer might not be the most convenient time, it's a guaranteed way to save money. Last year, Apple offered a free $100 gift card with iPad Pro purchases, a trend likely to continue alongside additional Labor Day discounts.

New iPads Available in 2025

Apple recently unveiled new iPad models, including the refreshed iPad Air and the 11th generation iPad. The M3 iPad Air starts at $599, while the new 11th-generation baseline iPad starts at $349. These updates are more about enhancing specifications rather than a complete redesign, but they offer more power than their predecessors, making them excellent choices for anyone in the market for a new Apple tablet in 2025.