Is now a good time to buy a new iPad?
We recommend reading the advice below to understand whether Apple is likely to update the iPad you’re considering. This can help you avoid purchasing an iPad shortly before a new model is released – a situation that often leads to regret, not only because a better version arrives, but also because retailers typically discount older models once an update occurs. However, if you’re hoping to get a deal on the newest model, be prepared to wait.
With that in mind, now is an excellent time to buy a new iPad. Apple’s iPad product line is relatively fresh, with most models having been updated in 2024 or 2025, meaning you’re unlikely to buy a device that will be replaced in the immediate future.
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Here’s a breakdown of the current iPad models to help you decide if now is the right time for you to buy:
iPad (A16): This is the cheapest iPad you can buy new from Apple, starting at a budget-friendly $349/£329 for the 128GB model. It was updated in March 2025, at which point Apple doubled the storage at the entry level without reducing the price, making it even better value for money. But there are important factors to consider. While the A16 chip delivers solid performance for daily activities, such as web browsing, streaming, light gaming, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (the suite of AI-powered features available on other current Apple products), plus the screen isn’t as high quality as the other iPads. A successor is not anticipated until mid-to-late 2026, so I you are looking for a bargain now then you can be confident that it won’t be replaced immediately. However, if you want to ensure that your iPad is future-proofed we’d recommend waiting or spending a little more to get an alternative iPad.
iPad mini (A17 Pro): The current model was released in October 2024 and was a significant upgrade, featuring Apple’s A17 Pro chip. This processor is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence features, future-proofing the device for upcoming software innovations. The base model now starts with 128GB of storage, a welcome increase from the 64GB offered in previous generations. While the current iPad mini is a solid buy, there are rumors about a future model. Internal code leaks suggest a potential future update to an A19 Pro chip, which would offer a performance boost. However, we don’t expect an update until mid-to-late 2026 and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend buying the current model at a good price.
iPad Air (M3): The current models, which feature the powerful M3 chip, were released in March 2025. We think the M3 iPad Air is the best choice for most people, striking a perfect balance between performance and price. It offers superb processing power, a premium lightweight design, and great battery life, making it a versatile device for everything from streaming and gaming to more demanding work. While the iPad Air may gain an M4 chip later in 2026, if you need a new iPad now we recommend the current iPad Air as a great buy.
iPad Pro (M5): Now is an excellent time to buy a new iPad Pro; the current models with the M5 chip arrived in October 2025 and it is not expected to be updated again for at least a year, possibly not until 2027. The iPad Pro offers the most up-to-date technology on the ultimate iPad. Indeed, the M5 iPad Pro is considered the best tablet on the market, featuring a stunning Tandem OLED display, outstanding performance, and a super slim, lightweight design.
Release dates and expected refreshes aside, if you are wondering if there is a good time to shop for deals on a new iPad that’s a little more straightforward. The best time of year to get a deal is when the big sales happen, such as Black Friday in November or Amazon Prime Day sales in July and October. There may also be a Spring Big Deals event on Amazon. Those are when we see the biggest discounts, but if you can’t wait for one of those sales, don’t despair: we see price drops all year round and when we see a good deal we record it here.