Apple tablet prices range from $329 to $1,099 depending on the model and storage size

Apple makes four main tablet lines, and each one costs differently. The iPad (the base model) starts at $329 for 64GB of storage. The iPad Air begins at $599. The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch version and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch version. The iPad mini costs $499. These are the prices Apple charges directly, though retailers sometimes offer discounts or bundle deals.

Storage size affects the price. On most models, you can choose between 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB — each step up costs more. A base iPad with 256GB costs $429 instead of $329. An iPad Air with 1TB costs $899 instead of $599. The price difference between storage sizes is usually $100 to $150 per step.

Cellular connectivity adds cost. If you want a model that works with mobile data (not just Wi-Fi), add $130 to $150 to the Wi-Fi-only price. A base iPad with Wi-Fi costs $329; the same model with cellular costs $459.

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest new Apple tablet is the base iPad at $329 for Wi-Fi only with 64GB storage.
  • Storage size matters: each upgrade (64GB to 256GB, 256GB to 512GB, and so on) adds $100 to $150 to the price.
  • Adding cellular capability costs $130 to $150 extra on any model.
  • iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro are more expensive than the base iPad but offer larger screens, faster processors, or both.
  • Prices at retailers like Best Buy or Amazon sometimes differ from Apple's direct prices, especially during sales.

How the four iPad models compare in price and what you get

The base iPad is the entry point. At $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi, it has a 10.9-inch screen, works with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), and handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and video. It is the lightest on your wallet but also the slowest processor of the four lines.

The iPad Air sits in the middle at $599 for 64GB Wi-Fi. It has a 11-inch screen, a faster chip, and works with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard. If you plan to use your tablet for photo editing, video work, or demanding games, the Air's extra power is worth the $270 jump from the base iPad.

The iPad mini costs $499 for 64GB Wi-Fi. It has a 8.3-inch screen — smaller and more portable than the others — and the same fast processor as the iPad Air. Choose this if you want power in a pocket-sized device, though the smaller screen means less room to work.

The iPad Pro is the most expensive at $999 (11-inch) or $1,099 (12.9-inch) for 128GB Wi-Fi. It has the fastest processor, a high-refresh display, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. Professionals who use design software, video editing, or 3D work typically choose the Pro, but the price reflects that specialization.

Storage size and what it costs you

Every iPad model offers multiple storage sizes, and the price climbs with each one. On the base iPad, you can buy 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. The 64GB model costs $329; the 256GB costs $429; the 512GB costs $529; and the 1TB costs $629. That is a $100 jump between each step.

Storage size matters if you plan to store photos, videos, or large apps on your tablet. A 64GB model fills up quickly if you shoot 4K video or keep many games installed. Most people who use their tablet for browsing, email, and streaming find 64GB or 256GB enough. If you edit video or work with large design files, 512GB or 1TB makes sense.

You cannot add storage later — the size you buy is the size you have. Think about how you actually use devices before you choose. If you are unsure, 256GB is a safe middle ground.

Cellular models cost extra but let you use data anywhere

Every iPad model comes in two versions: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular. The Wi-Fi version connects to the internet only through Wi-Fi networks. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version has a built-in mobile chip that lets you use your carrier's data plan, the same way a phone does.

Adding cellular costs $130 to $150 depending on the model. A base iPad with Wi-Fi costs $329; the same model with cellular costs $459. An iPad Pro 11-inch with Wi-Fi costs $999; with cellular it costs $1,149. You also need a data plan from your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another provider), which costs extra each month.

Cellular makes sense if you travel often, work outside the home, or need internet access away from Wi-Fi. If you mostly use your tablet at home or in places with Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi-only model saves you money upfront and monthly.

Where prices vary and when you might pay less

Apple's official prices are what you see on Apple.com, but other retailers set their own prices. Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart sometimes sell iPads for less than Apple's list price, especially during holiday sales, back-to-school promotions, or clearance events. The discount is usually $20 to $100 off, not a huge cut, but worth checking.

Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) sometimes offer deals on cellular models if you sign up for a new plan with them. Educational discounts are available to students and teachers through Apple's education store, typically saving $20 to $50.

Refurbished iPads from Apple or certified retailers cost less than new ones — often 10 to 15 percent off — and come with the same warranty as new models. If you are willing to buy a previous generation model instead of the latest one, older iPad Airs or iPad Pros drop in price once a new version launches.

Older iPad models and what they cost now

When Apple releases a new iPad model, the previous generation usually stays available at a lower price. For example, when a new iPad Air launches, the older iPad Air model often drops by $100 or more. This is a way to save money if you do not need the newest features.

Older models are still solid devices. An iPad Air from two years ago handles most tasks just as well as a current base iPad. The trade-off is that you get fewer years of software updates — Apple typically supports iPads for five to seven years after release, so an older model has fewer years left in its support window.

Check the release date before you buy a used or older model. If it was released more than four years ago, you may have only a year or two of updates remaining.

What affects the total cost beyond the tablet itself

The tablet price is just the start. If you want to use an Apple Pencil for drawing or note-taking, that costs $99 for the standard version or $129 for the Pro version. A Magic Keyboard (for typing and trackpad use) costs $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro or $349 for the 12.9-inch. A basic case runs $20 to $80.

If you choose a cellular model, you need a data plan. Most carriers charge $10 to $25 per month for a tablet data plan, though some offer shared plans that cost less per device if you already have a phone plan.

AppleCare+ (Apple's extended warranty and support plan) costs $79 to $129 depending on the model and adds two years of coverage beyond the standard one-year warranty. It is optional but covers accidental damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPad should I buy if I have a tight budget?

The base iPad at $329 for 64GB Wi-Fi is the cheapest new option. It handles email, web browsing, video, and most apps well. If you want to save more, look for sales at Best Buy or Amazon, or consider a refurbished model from Apple, which costs 10 to 15 percent less.

Is the iPad Air worth the extra $270 over the base iPad?

It depends on what you do. If you edit photos, play demanding games, or use design apps, the Air's faster processor and better screen are worth it. If you mostly browse and stream, the base iPad does the same job. The Air also works with better accessories like the Magic Keyboard.

Do iPad prices ever go down after I buy one?

Yes, but usually only when a new model launches or during major sales events. If you buy a current model at full price, expect the price to stay the same for several months. Retailers occasionally discount current models by $20 to $100, but big drops happen when the next generation arrives.

Can I use an iPad with a phone plan instead of a separate data plan?

Some carriers let you add a tablet to a family plan or share data from your phone plan at a lower cost than a standalone tablet plan. Ask your carrier what options they offer — it may be cheaper than the standard tablet data plan.

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular in real use?

Wi-Fi only works when you are near a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi + Cellular works anywhere your carrier has signal, like a phone does. If you mostly use your tablet at home or in coffee shops, Wi-Fi is fine. If you travel or work outside, cellular is convenient but costs $130 to $150 upfront and $10 to $25 monthly.