What you'll pay for a new iPad right now

iPad prices start at $329 for the base iPad and go up to $1,599 for the highest-end iPad Pro with the most storage. The exact price depends on which iPad model you choose, how much storage you want, and whether you pick Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus cellular. Apple updates prices occasionally and offers different models at different price points, so the specific amount you'll see depends on when you're shopping and which retailer you use.

The five main iPad lines — the base iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad mini, and iPad Pro with M4 chip — each start at a different price. Within each line, storage options add $100 to $200 to the base price, and cellular connectivity adds another $130 to $150. This means you could pay $329 for a basic Wi-Fi model or several hundred dollars more for a larger storage capacity with cellular service.

Key Takeaways

  • Base iPad models start at $329 for Wi-Fi only with 64GB storage, while iPad Pro models begin at $999 and go higher with larger storage options.
  • Storage upgrades typically cost $100 to $200 per tier, so a 256GB model costs more than a 128GB model of the same iPad line.
  • Adding cellular capability costs an extra $130 to $150 on top of the Wi-Fi price for any iPad model.
  • Prices vary by retailer and may differ during sales events, though Apple's official pricing is the baseline most stores follow.

iPad model prices and where they differ

The base iPad is the least expensive option at $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi. If you step up to 256GB, you'll pay $429. This model is designed for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and streaming video. It has an older processor than the pricier models, which means it handles demanding apps and games less smoothly, but for basic use it works fine.

The iPad Air sits in the middle price range, starting at $599 for Wi-Fi with 128GB storage. A 256GB model costs $699, and a 512GB model costs $899. The iPad Air uses a faster processor than the base iPad and has a larger screen, making it better for creative work and multitasking. Adding cellular to any iPad Air model costs $150 extra.

The iPad mini is smaller and more portable than the Air, with a starting price of $499 for 128GB Wi-Fi. Storage options go up to 512GB at $899. The mini has the same processor as the Air but in a compact 8.3-inch screen, so it's useful if you want something you can hold in one hand for longer periods.

The iPad Pro is the most powerful and most expensive. The 11-inch model starts at $999 for 256GB Wi-Fi, and the 13-inch model starts at $1,299. Both go up to 2TB storage, which costs $1,599 for the 11-inch and $1,899 for the 13-inch. iPad Pro models use the fastest processors Apple makes and have the brightest screens, which justifies the higher cost for professional video editing, 3D design, or other intensive work.

Storage tiers and what they cost

Every iPad model offers multiple storage sizes, and each step up adds a fixed amount to the price. For the base iPad, you choose between 64GB and 256GB. For iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro, the options typically include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and sometimes 1TB or 2TB on the Pro models.

The price jump between storage tiers is usually $100 for smaller increases and $200 for larger ones. For example, going from 128GB to 256GB on an iPad Air costs $100 more, but jumping from 512GB to 1TB costs $200 more. This means if you think you'll need more storage, buying the larger size upfront is often cheaper than buying a smaller model and regretting it later, since you can't add storage to an iPad after purchase.

Wi-Fi versus Wi-Fi plus cellular pricing

Every iPad comes in two connectivity versions: Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi plus cellular. The Wi-Fi-only model is the base price listed above. Adding cellular connectivity costs $130 to $150 extra, depending on the model. Cellular iPads have a built-in modem that lets you use a data plan from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, so you can use the internet anywhere you have cell service, not just near a Wi-Fi network.

Whether cellular is worth the extra cost depends on how you use the iPad. If you mainly use it at home or in places with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi only saves you money. If you travel frequently or want to use the iPad in your car or at coffee shops without relying on your phone's hotspot, cellular makes sense. Keep in mind that cellular also requires a monthly data plan from your carrier, which is a separate ongoing cost.

Where to find current iPad prices

Apple's official website lists the current price for each model and storage size. Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon typically match Apple's pricing, though they sometimes run sales or offer discounts on older models when new ones arrive. Carrier stores like Verizon and AT&T also sell iPads, sometimes with discounts if you bundle them with a cellular plan.

Prices can shift when Apple releases new models, usually in the spring and fall. When a new model launches, the previous generation often drops in price. If you're flexible about which generation you buy, waiting a few weeks after a new release announcement might save you money on the older version.

Refurbished and older models as lower-cost options

If the current prices are more than you want to spend, refurbished iPads from Apple or certified retailers cost 10 to 15 percent less than new ones. Apple's refurbished products come with the same one-year warranty as new devices and are tested to work like new, though they may have minor cosmetic marks. You can find these on Apple's website under the Refurbished section.

Older iPad models that are no longer sold new can be found used through sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds. Prices vary widely depending on condition and age, but you might find a two or three-year-old iPad for significantly less. The trade-off is that older models get fewer software updates and may not run the newest apps as smoothly, so check what version of iPadOS the model supports before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do iPad prices ever go on sale?

Apple rarely discounts its own products directly, but retailers like Best Buy and Amazon run sales during major shopping events like Black Friday, back-to-school season, and holiday periods. Older models drop in price when new versions launch. Refurbished models from Apple are always discounted compared to new ones.

Is the base iPad good enough or should I spend more?

The base iPad works well for reading, email, video streaming, and light web browsing. If you plan to use demanding apps, edit photos or video, or run multiple apps at once, the iPad Air or Pro will feel noticeably faster. Think about what you'll actually do with it before deciding whether the extra cost is worth it.

Can I add storage to an iPad after I buy it?

No, iPad storage is built in and cannot be expanded. You choose your storage size when you buy, so if you think you'll need more space, it's better to buy the larger model upfront rather than run out of room later.

What's the difference between iPad Air and iPad Pro?

iPad Pro has a faster processor, brighter screen, and more advanced features like ProMotion (smoother scrolling) and better cameras. It costs $400 to $700 more depending on size. iPad Air is powerful enough for most people and costs less. Choose Pro if you do professional creative work; choose Air for everyday use and light creative tasks.

Does the cellular version work without a data plan?

A cellular iPad can still use Wi-Fi without a data plan, so you're not forced to pay for cellular service. But if you want to use cellular data, you need to add a plan through a carrier, which costs extra per month.