Is now a good time to buy a new iPad?
We recommend reading the advice below to understand if Apple is likely to update the iPad you’re considering. This can help you avoid buying an iPad shortly before a new model is released—a situation that often leads to regret, not only because a better version is coming, but also because retailers usually discount older models once they’re updated. However, if you’re hoping to get a deal on the latest model, be prepared to wait.
With that in mind, much of Apple’s iPad lineup is set to be updated, with rumors suggesting a new iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air could arrive this year.
Brady Snyder / Foundry
Here’s a breakdown of current iPad models to help you decide if now is the right time to buy:
iPad (A16): This is the cheapest iPad you can buy new from Apple, starting at a bargain $349 / £329 for the 128GB model. It was updated in March 2025, when Apple doubled the entry-level storage without lowering the price, making it even better value for money. But there are important factors to consider. While the A16 chip provides solid performance for everyday activities like web browsing, streaming, casual gaming, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (a set of AI-powered features available on other current Apple products), and the screen isn’t as good as other iPads. A successor isn’t expected until mid-to-late 2026, so if you’re looking for a bargain now, you can be sure it won’t be replaced immediately. However, if you want to ensure that your iPad is future-proof, we recommend waiting or spending a little more and getting an iPad alternative.
iPad mini (A17 Pro): The current model was released in October 2024 and was a major upgrade with the Apple A17 Pro chip. This processor is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence features and prepare the device for future software upgrades. 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 hint at a potential future A19 Pro chip update that 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): Current models that include the powerful M3 chip were launched in March 2025. We think the M3 iPad Air is the best choice for most people because it strikes the perfect balance between performance and price. It offers excellent 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 get 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 a great time to buy a new iPad Pro; current models with the M5 chip arrived in October 2025, and it’s not expected to be updated again for at least a year, possibly until 2027. The iPad Pro offers the most up-to-date technology on the ultimate iPad. In fact, the M5 iPad Pro is considered the best tablet on the market with a stunning tandem OLED display, excellent performance and a super thin and light design.
Release dates and expected updates aside, if you’re wondering if it’s a good time to shop around for deals on the slightly simpler new iPad. The best time of year to close a deal is during big sales such as Black Friday in November or the Amazon Prime Day sales in July and October. There may also be Spring Big Deals on Amazon. That’s when we see the biggest discounts, but if you can’t wait for one of these sales, don’t worry: we see drops all year round, and when we see a good deal, we’ll note it here.