Apple's entry-level iPad A16 just hit its lowest price ever at $279 for Black Friday, down from $349. The timing couldn't be better - this tablet just got significantly more capable with the iPadOS 26 update that brings Mac-like windowing features to the 11-inch screen.
Apple's Black Friday pricing just made the best tablet deal even sweeter. The iPad A16 - already WIRED's top tablet pick with an 8/10 rating - dropped to $279 across major retailers, representing a $70 discount from its $349 retail price.
The timing feels almost strategic. Just as shoppers hunt for holiday tech deals, Apple released iPadOS 26, transforming what was already the 'perfect tablet' into something approaching laptop functionality. Users can now resize windows, snap apps to split-screen, and with iPadOS 26.1, the beloved Slide Over feature returns for true multitasking flexibility.
"This iPad recently got a whole lot more versatile," notes WIRED's Julian Chokkattu, highlighting how the software update essentially gives users a Mac-like experience on the 11-inch display. Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and suddenly you've got a legitimate work machine for emails, light productivity, and content consumption.
The A16 chip delivers solid performance for most apps and games, while the 11-inch screen hits the sweet spot - not too big, not too small. Battery life remains excellent, living up to Apple's reputation for all-day usage. What's particularly interesting is what this iPad doesn't have: Apple Intelligence support.
While every other device in Apple's current lineup supports the company's AI features, the iPad A16 remains blissfully free of what many consider half-baked artificial intelligence tools. For users seeking a focused, distraction-free tablet experience, this limitation might actually be a selling point.
Retail competition is driving the aggressive pricing. Amazon, Walmart, and Target are all matching the $279 price point, with some retailers throwing in additional perks. Apple's own store maintains the full $349 price, making third-party retailers the clear winners for deal hunters.
Industry watchers expect Apple to refresh this line in early 2026 with a 12th-generation model featuring Apple Intelligence support. The update will likely be primarily a processor bump, making the current A16 model the last 'old-school' iPad for users who prefer their tablets without AI interruptions.
For creative users, there are some limitations worth noting. The iPad A16 only supports first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C models. The display lacks full lamination, creating an air gap between glass and screen that makes sketching less precise than on higher-end models. Artists serious about digital drawing should consider the discounted iPad Mini, iPad Air, or iPad Pro - all also on sale.
The broader tablet market has essentially become a race for second place behind Apple's iPad lineup. With Android tablets struggling for developer support and Windows tablets carrying premium pricing, Apple continues dominating the space through consistent hardware updates and software optimization.
This $279 pricing puts the iPad A16 in direct competition with budget Android tablets that often compromise on build quality, software updates, or app ecosystem depth. For most consumers, the choice becomes clear when comparing long-term value and software support.
At $279, the iPad A16 represents exceptional value in a market where premium tablets often exceed $800. The combination of reliable hardware, excellent software support, and now Mac-like multitasking capabilities makes this the standout tech deal of Black Friday 2025. For anyone considering a tablet purchase, this pricing window likely won't last long - and with the next generation bringing AI features many don't want, this could be the last chance to get a 'pure' iPad experience at such an attractive price.
