Remember the stretch when a brand-new iPad Pro stayed stubbornly at full price for months? That window looks to be closing.
Retailers have started to shave meaningful chunks off Apple's tablet lineup, and the newest M5 iPad Pro — launched late last year — is already showing up at some of its lowest prices since release. Amazon in particular has relisted the 11‑inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB, Wi‑Fi) at about $899, down from $999, while several 13‑inch M5 configurations are carrying steeper cuts as well.
What's on sale now
Deals vary by model and retailer, but the pattern is clear: discounts span everything from the entry‑level iPad to the performance‑oriented M5 Pro.
- 11‑inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB, Wi‑Fi): roughly $899 (around $100 off) — a return to holiday lows.
- 11‑inch and 13‑inch M5 higher capacities: $100–$200 off on some SKUs, including new lows on certain 13‑inch 1TB configurations.
- iPad Air (M3): noticeable cuts on the 11‑ and 13‑inch Air models, making the M3 Air a stronger laptop substitute than before.
- iPad Mini and 11th‑gen iPad: modest discounts at Amazon and B&H that bring entry prices down into more affordable territory.
- Act on clear winners: the 11‑inch M5 (256GB) at roughly $899 is one of the better near‑term bargains for people who need speed and portability.
- Don’t reflexively buy older models: dwindling M4 inventory might push retailers to move units, but the small premium on the M5 can be worth it for longer longevity.
- Check retailer delivery windows and return policies — Amazon often shows the fastest ship dates for Prime members at this point in the month.
These price moves are appearing at Amazon and B&H Photo and mirror the broader, post‑holiday inventory adjustments you see across consumer electronics.
Why it matters (and whether to buy)
Two simple facts make these sales worth watching: the M5 Pro only arrived a few months ago, and Apple still sells multiple iPad lines aimed at different users. That combination means you can now get very recent silicon for less than you might have expected, or score a competent, low‑cost iPad for casual use.
If you want Apple Intelligence support and a good balance of price and capability, the M3‑powered iPad Air is looking like a sweet spot — especially with the improved Magic Keyboard accessory Apple fine‑tuned for this generation. If creative work or heavy multitasking is your priority, the M5 Pro discounts make upgrading from an older iPad Pro or opting out of lingering M4 inventory a more justifiable move.
For folks weighing an iPad as a laptop replacement, remember that the tablet plus keyboard route is becoming more compelling. If you're considering a more traditional laptop, current MacBook Air deals also deserve a look to compare value and workflows.
A few quick shopping tips
If you care about Apple’s broader AI strategy — which influences how Apple positions iPad hardware and software going forward — note Apple’s moves around assistants and AI integration. The company is working on next‑generation Siri integrations driven by external models, a development that helps explain why Apple is keen to push more capable devices into users’ hands sooner rather than later. For background on those AI plans, see Apple's work with Google Gemini on future Siri features Apple to Use a Custom Google Gemini Model to Power Next‑Gen Siri.
Final nudge
These are not the once‑a‑year door‑buster discounts everyone waits for, but they’re meaningful — especially if you were already leaning toward a specific iPad. If you need a Magic Keyboard or other accessories, factor those into the total cost (and consider available Apple accessory options when you shop). You can compare the prices now and decide whether the slightly older, cheaper models are enough or if the M5’s performance and future‑proofing justify the spend.
Happy hunting — and if you buy a tablet as a laptop stand‑in, think through the keyboard and apps you’ll pair with it before you check out. For some people, that changes which device makes the most sense.