Current Apple Tablet Pricing

Apple sells four tablet lines at different price points, and the cost depends on which model you choose and how much storage you pick. The iPad (the base model) starts at $329 for 64 GB. The iPad Air begins at $599 for 128 GB. The iPad Pro starts at $999 for 128 GB. The iPad mini starts at $499 for 128 GB. Storage options go higher on each model — typically 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB — and each step up adds $100 to $200 to the price.

These are the prices Apple lists on its own website. Prices at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart are sometimes lower, especially on older stock or during sales events. If you buy directly from Apple, you can also choose to add cellular connectivity, which costs $130 more on most models.

Key Takeaways

  • The base iPad starts at $329 and works for reading, video, and light tasks, while iPad Pro models start at $999 and include faster processors and better screens for creative work.
  • Storage capacity matters to price: a 64 GB base iPad costs $329, but jumping to 256 GB on the same model adds $100.
  • Adding cellular connectivity to any iPad costs $130 more than the Wi-Fi-only version.
  • Prices at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are often lower than Apple's direct pricing, especially on previous-generation models.

The Base iPad: $329 and Up

The standard iPad is Apple's entry-level tablet and the cheapest way into the iPad ecosystem. At $329 for 64 GB, it has an 10.9-inch screen, an A14 Bionic chip, and support for the Apple Pencil (1st generation). It runs iPadOS and works with most apps in the App Store. The 256 GB version costs $429.

This model suits people who want a tablet for web browsing, email, video streaming, and reading. It is not the fastest processor Apple makes, and it does not support the newer Apple Pencil models or the Magic Keyboard, so if you plan to draw or type a lot, a higher model may frustrate you. Battery life is around 10 hours of mixed use.

The iPad Air: $599 and Up

The iPad Air sits in the middle and costs $599 for 128 GB storage. It has a 11-inch or 13-inch screen (you choose), an M2 chip (faster than the base iPad), and support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. The 256 GB version is $699, and the 512 GB version is $899.

The Air is built for people who want more power than the base model but do not need the iPad Pro's top-tier features. It handles photo editing, video work, and multitasking smoothly. The larger 13-inch screen option is useful if you plan to use it as a laptop replacement for document work or design tasks.

The iPad Pro: $999 and Up

iPad Pro models are Apple's most powerful tablets. The 11-inch model starts at $999 for 128 GB. The 13-inch model starts at $1,299 for 128 GB. Both use the M4 chip, have OLED screens (brighter and more color-accurate than other iPads), and support the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. Storage goes up to 2 TB on some configurations, which can cost over $2,000.

The Pro is aimed at professionals — designers, video editors, architects, and illustrators who need the fastest performance and the best screen. The OLED display is noticeably sharper and more vibrant than the Air or base iPad. If you are using your tablet mainly for casual browsing and streaming, the Pro is overkill and not worth the extra cost.

The iPad Mini: $499 and Up

The iPad mini is a smaller, lighter tablet with a 8.3-inch screen. It starts at $499 for 128 GB. The 256 GB version is $599, and the 512 GB version is $799. It has an A17 Pro chip, supports the Apple Pencil Pro, and is portable enough to carry in a bag or large pocket.

The mini appeals to people who want iPad power in a smaller form factor — students taking notes, travelers who want something lighter than a laptop, or anyone who finds the standard iPad too large. The smaller screen means less room for multitasking, but the performance is solid for most tasks.

Storage and Cellular Add-Ons

Every iPad model offers multiple storage tiers. The base iPad starts at 64 GB, while the Air, Pro, and mini start at 128 GB. Each step up — to 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB — typically costs $100 to $200 more. If you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps, buy more storage upfront; you cannot add it later.

If you want cellular data (LTE or 5G) instead of Wi-Fi only, add $130 to the price of any model. Cellular is useful if you travel often or need internet away from home, but most people use Wi-Fi and do not need it.

Where to Buy and How Prices Vary

Apple's official website lists the prices above, but you often find lower prices elsewhere. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart regularly discount iPads, especially older models or during holiday sales. Costco and Sam's Club sometimes offer iPad bundles at a discount if you are a member. Refurbished iPads from Apple's own refurbished store cost 15 percent less than new ones and come with the same one-year warranty.

Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sell iPads with cellular and sometimes offer trade-in deals if you have an older tablet. If you are trading in an old iPad, the value depends on its age and condition — typically $50 to $300 — so factor that into the real cost of an upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest iPad I can buy?

The base iPad at $329 for 64 GB is the cheapest new iPad Apple makes. It has a 10.9-inch screen and works for most everyday tasks like browsing, email, and video. If you need more storage, the 256 GB version is $429.

Is the iPad Pro worth the extra cost over the Air?

The Pro costs $400 more than the Air and offers a faster M4 chip, an OLED screen, and a larger size option. If you do photo editing, video work, or professional design, the OLED screen and speed are worth it. If you use your tablet for reading and streaming, the Air is enough and saves you money.

Do I need cellular, or is Wi-Fi enough?

Most people use Wi-Fi and do not need cellular. Cellular costs $130 extra and is useful only if you travel often or need internet away from home and a phone hotspot is not practical. If you are unsure, buy Wi-Fi only — you can always use your phone's hotspot.

Can I use an older iPad instead of buying new?

Yes. Older iPad models from the last three to four years still run current iPadOS and handle everyday tasks fine. Used or refurbished iPads cost less and have less environmental impact. Check the model year and storage before buying used, and buy from a reputable seller with a return policy.

Does the price include a charger and stylus?

The tablet price includes the device and a charger, but not an Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard. Those are sold separately — an Apple Pencil costs $79 to $129, and a Magic Keyboard costs $149 to $349 depending on the iPad size. Budget for those if you plan to use them.