Is now time to purchase a brand new iPad?
We suggest studying the recommendation beneath to grasp whether or not Apple is more likely to replace the iPad you’re contemplating. This will help you keep away from buying an iPad shortly earlier than a brand new mannequin is launched – a state of affairs that always results in remorse, not solely as a result of a greater model arrives, but in addition as a result of retailers usually low cost older fashions as soon as an replace happens. Nevertheless, for those who’re hoping to get a deal on the most recent mannequin, be ready to attend.
With that in thoughts, now is a wonderful time to purchase a brand new iPad. Apple’s iPad product line is comparatively contemporary, with most fashions having been up to date in 2024 or 2025, which means you’re unlikely to purchase a tool that will probably be changed within the rapid future.
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Right here’s a breakdown of the present iPad fashions that can assist you determine if now could be the correct time so that you can purchase:
iPad (A16): That is the most affordable iPad you should purchase new from Apple, beginning at a budget-friendly $349/£329 for the 128GB mannequin. It was up to date in March 2025, at which level Apple doubled the storage on the entry stage with out lowering the worth, making it even higher worth for cash. However there are vital components to think about. Whereas the A16 chip delivers strong efficiency for every day actions, reminiscent of internet looking, streaming, gentle gaming, it doesn’t help Apple Intelligence (the suite of AI-powered options out there on different present Apple merchandise), plus the display screen isn’t as top quality as the opposite iPads. A successor isn’t anticipated till mid-to-late 2026, so I you might be on the lookout for a discount now you then may be assured that it gained’t get replaced instantly. Nevertheless, if you wish to be certain that your iPad is future-proofed we’d suggest ready or spending a bit of extra to get another iPad.
iPad mini (A17 Professional): The present mannequin was launched in October 2024 and was a big improve, that includes Apple’s A17 Professional chip. This processor is highly effective sufficient to help Apple Intelligence options, future-proofing the gadget for upcoming software program improvements. The bottom mannequin now begins with 128GB of storage, a welcome improve from the 64GB provided in earlier generations. Whereas the present iPad mini is a strong purchase, there are rumors a few future mannequin. Inside code leaks recommend a possible future replace to an A19 Professional chip, which might provide a efficiency increase. Nevertheless, we don’t count on an replace till mid-to-late 2026 and wouldn’t hesitate to suggest shopping for the present mannequin at value.
iPad Air (M3): The present fashions, which characteristic the highly effective M3 chip, have been launched in March 2025. We expect the M3 iPad Air is the only option for most individuals, putting an ideal steadiness between efficiency and value. It gives very good processing energy, a premium light-weight design, and nice battery life, making it a flexible gadget for every part from streaming and gaming to extra demanding work. Whereas the iPad Air could achieve an M4 chip later in 2026, for those who want a brand new iPad now we suggest the present iPad Air as an excellent purchase.
iPad Professional (M5): Now is a wonderful time to purchase a brand new iPad Professional; the present fashions with the M5 chip arrived in October 2025 and it’s not anticipated to be up to date once more for at the least a 12 months, presumably not till 2027. The iPad Professional gives probably the most up-to-date know-how on the last word iPad. Certainly, the M5 iPad Professional is taken into account one of the best pill available on the market, that includes a surprising Tandem OLED show, excellent efficiency, and an excellent slim, light-weight design.
Launch dates and anticipated refreshes apart, if you’re questioning if there’s a good time to buy offers on a brand new iPad that’s a bit of extra easy. The most effective time of 12 months to get a deal is when the large gross sales occur, reminiscent of Black Friday in November or Amazon Prime Day gross sales in July and October. There might also be a Spring Huge Offers occasion on Amazon. These are after we see the most important reductions, however for those who can’t await a type of gross sales, don’t despair: we see value drops all 12 months spherical and after we see deal we document it right here.
