Bemused by the high prices of Apple’s (extremely high-quality) tablets? Don’t despair: if you know where to look there are good deals to be had on the latest iPads, and brilliant ones on older models.
Our tech experts, who constantly scan the market for the very latest and best iPad deals, have found the best prices for each of the five current iPad models, and appealing offers on several more models which have been officially discontinued. For each one you’ll find an automatically updated price comparison tool, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal at this exact second.
Apple itself does not offer discounts, but other sites have some excellent deals, including the latest models. Right now you can find good savings at Amazon in both the UK and US, and at territory-specific stores such as John Lewis and Currys/PC World. Read on for the best deals on each model of iPad.
Best iPad 10.2in deals
In September 2019 Apple introduced a new version of the iPad – read about it in our iPad 10.2in review. This is the seventh-generation iPad and it took the place of 2018’s 9.7in iPad in Apple’s lineup. It’s still the cheapest iPad, despite having a small price hike in the UK.
If you’re in education you can get a discount from Apple’s Education Store.
UK RRP: From £329
US MSRP: From $329
You can buy direct from Apple, but in the table below you’ll see the best deals available right now in your region.
Best iPad 9.7in (2018) deals
It’s been officially discontinued, but you may still be able to buy Apple’s old entry-level iPad, the iPad 9.7in (2018). Apple has it in the Refurbished store, for example.
We think that this older model, at the right price, could be a better option than the new 2019 model, since the specs are practically identical, bar the screen size. For more, read our iPad 9.7in (2018) review.
UK RRP: Was £319 (discontinued)
US MSRP: Was $329 (discontinued)
Best iPad mini deals
The iPad mini, at 7.9in, proves that a form factor is still desirable and useful even in an age of larger smartphones. With the A12 processor at an affordable base price, Apple’s smallest tablet is a tiny powerhouse of a computer.
With the addition of Apple Pencil support and with decent battery life, Apple breathed new life into the iPad mini with the 2019 model. Not everyone wants or needs to spend £1,000 on an iPad Pro. Read our iPad mini (2019) review.
UK RRP: From £399
US MSRP: From $399
Best iPad Air deals
The iPad Air is a powerful and easy-to-use tablet with a large and well-specced screen, long battery life and attractive design, all at a sensible price. There are some compromises here, but as an all-round package this is vastly appealing. Read our iPad Air (2019) review.
UK RRP: From £479
US MSRP: From $499
Best iPad Pro deals
Apple updated its iPad Pros in March 2020. They look largely the same as the 2018 models, but now have twin cameras on the rear, upgraded A12Z processor chips, depth-sensing LiDAR scanners for augmented reality and (perhaps best of all) lower price tags.
That’s right: the 11in and 12.9in models start at the same price as before (£769/$799 and £969/$999 respectively) but that’s with twice the storage: 128GB rather than 64GB. And all the other tiers have seen price cuts, of more than £200/$200 in some cases. Read our iPad Pro 12.9in (2020) review for more information.
iPad Pro 11in (2020) deals
UK RRP: From £769
US MSRP: From $799
iPad Pro 12.9in (2020) deals
UK RRP: From £969
US MSRP: From $999
iPad Pro 11in (2018) deals
Assuming you can live without the dual cameras, LiDAR scanner and so on, there are some excellent deals on the previous generation. Just make sure you’re paying well under the RRP – if not, you should simply buy the new model instead.
UK RRP: Started at £769 (discontinued)
US MSRP: Started at $799 (discontinued)
iPad Pro 12.9in (2018) deals
Same applies if you’re buying the larger model from 2018. Make sure you’re paying well under RRP, or buy the new version instead.
UK RRP: Started at £969 (discontinued)
US MSRP: Started at $999 (discontinued)
Apple Refurbished Store
One of our favourite tricks for iPad deals is the Apple Refurbished Store, where you’ll find iPads with huge discounts. These are items that have been returned, but you will really struggle to spot any evidence of that.
Apple replaces the battery and outer shell of every refurbished iPad, and you’ll still get all of the accessories and manuals that would come with a new model. Plus, you’ll also get the same one-year warranty as you would with a brand-new iPad.
The only thing that gives the game away is the box – Apple replaces the original with a white box to prevent people from buying the discounted models and selling them as new.
Best iPad Student Deals
Another great resource to help you save is Macworld’s Student Deals page, particularly the Tech & Mobile section. Right now, Apple is offering 5% off iPads. You also get up to 10% off Macs, 50% off Apple Care and 8% off accessories.
Simply create an account, log in and verify your student status, and the discount is yours.
That concludes our guide to the best iPad deals available right now. But if you’re unsure of which model you should pick up, take a look at our in-depth iPad buying guide.
Via MACWORLD