Black Friday 2025 has brought record discounts on popular tech—Apple Watches, Samsung TVs, and gaming consoles are all on sale. However, iPad deals are notably weak this year. Despite expectations for significant price cuts, Apple’s reluctance to offer deep discounts and limited retailer competition mean that finding a truly standout iPad deal is difficult.
Why are iPad deals so lackluster? Apple rarely participates in heavy discounting. Retailers like Amazon usually try to undercut each other, but this year, the savings are minimal. While other Apple products, including AirPods and even the new M5 MacBook Pro, have seen substantial reductions, iPads remain relatively expensive.
The Few Deals That Stand Out
If you’re looking for an iPad, here are the three most worthwhile deals currently available:
- Apple iPad (11-inch, 128GB): $274 (List Price $349). This is a good price for a reliable, entry-level iPad. It’s not the massive discount seen in previous years, but it’s still the lowest price available for this model.
- Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M3 Chip): $449 (List Price $599). The iPad Air is a well-rounded tablet with a powerful M3 chip, making it suitable for both casual use and more demanding tasks. This sale price is a record low, though not as substantial as some past Black Friday deals.
- Apple iPad Pro (11-inch, M5 Chip): $899 (List Price $999). If you’re a professional needing a high-performance tablet—video editor, developer, or graphic designer—the M5 iPad Pro is worth the $100 discount. The OLED display and M5 chip make it a top-tier device, though overkill for everyday use.
Context and Expectations
Consumers hoping for older iPad models at $250, as seen in previous years, will be disappointed. Apple’s pricing strategy remains firm, with even slightly older models holding their value well. The current discounts are decent but fall short of the deep cuts that often define Black Friday.
The bottom line: iPad deals in 2025 are limited. If you need an iPad now, these offers are reasonable. However, if you can wait, prices may not drop further, making this the best time to buy if you have a specific model in mind.
