Apple just dropped its entire iPad lineup to record-low prices ahead of Black Friday. The company's entry-level 2025 iPad is now $279 ($70 off) across major retailers, while the M3-powered iPad Air hits $449 and the flagship M5 iPad Pro starts at $899.99 - all representing the deepest discounts these tablets have ever seen.
The tablet wars just got a lot more affordable. Apple is offering its steepest iPad discounts ever this Black Friday, with the company's entire 2025 lineup hitting record-low prices across multiple retailers. The move comes as tablet shipments have struggled industry-wide, making premium devices more accessible to budget-conscious consumers. The star of the show is Apple's latest entry-level iPad, now matching its all-time low of $279 - a $70 discount from its $349 MSRP. Available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, this 11th-generation model represents the company's most aggressive pricing yet for a current-generation tablet. The timing isn't coincidental, according to retail analysts tracking Apple's inventory patterns. Under the hood, this budget iPad packs Apple's A16 Bionic chip - the same processor that powered the iPhone 14 Pro series. That translates to smooth performance for everyday tasks like streaming, video calls, and light productivity work. The tablet doubles the base storage of its predecessor to 128GB and sports an 11-inch display, making it the largest screen ever offered in Apple's entry tier. Battery life clocks in at around 10 hours, easily handling a full day of use without charging breaks. But there are trade-offs at this price point. The 11th-gen iPad doesn't support Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI-powered features that require more powerful M-series chips. Accessory compatibility is also limited - you'll need to settle for the Apple Pencil USB-C rather than the pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil Pro that works with higher-end models. For users who need those premium features, Apple is offering compelling alternatives. The M3-powered iPad Air has dropped to $449 ($150 off) at both Amazon and Best Buy - another record low. This mid-tier model supports Apple Intelligence, works with the Apple Pencil Pro, and offers significantly more processing power for demanding apps and multitasking. At the top of the range, the M5 iPad Pro is seeing its first significant discount since launch. has the 256GB Wi-Fi model for $899.99 ($100 off), while higher-capacity versions are also reduced. The Pro features latest M5 processor alongside specialized N1 and C1X chips, Wi-Fi 7 support, faster charging, and 12GB of RAM standard. Industry observers see this coordinated pricing strategy as preparing for potential refreshes in spring 2026. The company's tablet division has faced pressure from declining shipments across the broader market, with IDC reporting a 15% year-over-year drop in tablet sales globally. By making current models more accessible, can maintain market share while building anticipation for next-generation devices. The discount strategy also helps compete more aggressively with Android tablets from and others that typically offer more budget-friendly options. With the entry iPad now under $300, can capture price-sensitive segments that previously looked elsewhere for affordable tablets. Retail partners are clearly on board with the strategy. has prominently featured the iPad deals in its Black Friday marketing, while has added special Prime shipping guarantees for holiday delivery. is bundling some models with accessories at additional discounts.
