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Best IPad Sales In September 2026

 

iPads: The Basics

Everyone wants an iPad, but which one? They come in different sizes, with or without cellular, in a range of storage options, and a variety of specs. Here the basics to help you sort out the iPad model that’s right for you.

Current Generation iPads

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro comes with an 11” display starting at $799 new from Apple, or with a 12.9” display starting at $1,099 new from Apple. Storage options range from 128GB to 2TB. It’s available with WiFi, or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It features a the M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display or Liquid Retina display, ProMotion technology, P3 wide color, antireflective coating12MP ultra wide camera, 12MP wide camera, 4K video, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner to optimize augmented reality apps. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (sold separately).

iPad Air

New iPad Air models (5th generation) start at $599 new from Apple. They have a 10.9” Liquid Retina display and are available with 64GB and 256GB storage options, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It also features the M1 chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera, 12MP Wide camera, and 4K video. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) (sold separately).

iPad

Current iPad models (10th generation) have a 10.9” Liquid Retina display and start at $449 new from Apple. They come with either 64GB or 256GB of storage, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports the Smart Magic Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately). It can even pair an Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth, PlayStation DualShock 4 controller, or MFi game controller.

Older iPad models (9th generation) are also available from Apple new stating at $329. They come with either 64GB or 256GB of storage, and with WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports the Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately).

iPad mini

The iPad mini sports a 8.3” Liquid Retina display iPad mini starts at $499 new from Apple. It has 64GB or 256GB storage options, and WiFi or WiFi + Cellular connectivity. It supports bluetooth keyboards and Apple Pencil (1st generation) (sold separately), and boasts the A15 Bionic chip.

Refurbished iPads

Buying refurbished is a great way to save money on iPads. You can find deals on current and older generation models that are quite functional. DealNews frequently lists refurbished iPad deals from reputable third-party eBay sellers, as well as from other retailers, and even from Apple directly. Be sure to check for warranty information when buying a refurb. Refurbished iPads direct from Apple typically include a 1-year AppleCare warranty, for example.

One thing to keep in mind when buying refurbished iPads is serviceability. Operating systems in older iPad models cannot be updated. Specifically, upgrades are not available past iOS 9.3.5 for the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad mini. Updates are not supported for the iPad 4 beyond iOS 10.3. On the other hand, several previous iPad versions can still be updated and still function beautifully. Be sure to check whether Apple is still servicing the specific model when you’re shopping for older iPad versions.

iPad Accessories

Apple Pencil

The 1st generation Apple Pencil costs $99 new from Apple and is compatible with the 3rd generation iPad Air, 5th generation iPad mini, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation iPad, 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro 12.9”, and iPad Pro 10.5” and 9.7” models. It pairs and charges with a Lightning connector.

The 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which pairs and charges wirelessly, is compatible with the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation iPad Pro 12.9”, as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation iPad Pro 11” models, iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, and iPad mini 6th generation. It attaches magnetically and allows you to double tap to change tools. Apple will even engrave it for free.

We’ve seen new, refurbished, and open-box versions of both Apple Pencil generations from Amazon, Google Shopping, and Apple.

Keyboards

Apple's Magic Keyboard, starting at $299, and the Smart Keyboard Folio, priced from $179, is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation, iPad Pro 11" 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation, and iPad Air 4th and 5th generation models. Finally, Apple's Smart Keyboard, compatible with the iPad, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, and iPad Pro 10.5", starts at $159. models are compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. Apple’s Smart Keyboard is the choice for the 3rd generation iPad Air, 7th generation iPad, and iPad Pro 10.5”. They’re available directly from Apple and other retailers like Best Buy.

After-market iPad keyboard cases are typically a much less expensive option than Apple’s offerings. Search Amazon for brands like Proslife and IVSO, and be sure to check for compatibility with your specific iPad model.

AirPods & AirPods Pro

AirPods (currently in their 3rd generation) go for $179 new from Apple.

The AirPods Pro, 2nd generation, which are noise cancelling as well as sweat and water resistant, retail for $249 new at Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iPad Pro and iPad air?

Both offer USB-C charging, but the iPad Pro also supports Thunderbolt charging. iPad Air comes with 6-cores CPU and 4-cores GPU, while Pro has an 8-core CPU and GPU, making the iPad Pro faster than the iPad Air. The Pro comes with Apple's M1 chip and up to 2TB of storage while the Air used the A14 Bionic chip and comes with up to 256GB of storage.

The Air has a 12MP back camera and a 7MP front camera with 5X digital zoom. The Pro has a 12MP back camera and a 12MP front camera with 5X digital zoom plus 2X optical zoom out. Finally, the Air supports touch ID while the Pro uses facial ID.

Should I get a WiFi version, or a WiFi + Cellular iPad?

The WiFi-only iPad is sufficient if you’ll be using your iPad exclusively at home or in office environments where WiFi is accessible. If you’ll be out and about where WiFi isn’t always available, and if you’ll be making phone calls with your iPad, you’ll want to consider the WiFi + Cellular option.

Which cellular providers have plans for iPads?

All major cellular networks offer plans for iPads in the U.S.

  • Verizon starts at $20/month for unlimited data.
  • T-Mobile starts at $20/month for unlimited data.
  • AT&T starts at $65/month for 50GB of data

What are the best places to shop for iPads?

Apple’s own site is a good place to start, especially if you want to research the features and specs of the various models. Then, check DealNews’ iPads category for the best current deals and sales. Best Buy and Amazon frequently have deals on new iPad models, while eBay frequently lists discounted refurbished and open-box models. Also, shop DealNews’ iPad Accessories category for deals on keyboards, Apple Pencils, cases, and more.

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