Best Black Friday iPad deals 2024: what to expect this year

iPad tablets on a yellow background with Black Friday deals badge
(Image credit: Future)

Official Black Friday iPad deals will land on November 29, but prices are already at record-low positions and I would be surprised if we saw further discounts this year. You'd expect November's sales to be the last word in savings, but over the years I've seen a pattern emerging, especially when it comes to Apple's premium tablets.

These devices often sit at their Black Friday prices for weeks ahead of the main event, and rarely drop further on the big day. I've seen that exact trend over the course of the last three Black Friday sales - so today's offers are already looking particularly strong. Considering you can pick up an entry level tablet for as little as $199.99 right now, it's well worth jumping in ahead of time.

That's especially true if you're on the hunt for an iPad Mini. The new Mini 7 model is already on the shelves following its reveal a couple of weeks ago. It brings iterative updates to the system, all largely focused on Apple's Intelligence AI system. In layman's terms - it's not a must-see upgrade, and the previous generation actually offers better value now that it's on sale. I wouldn't be surprised if stock of the cheaper iPad Mini 6 actually ran out well ahead of Black Friday itself, though, so this is definitely an early buy.

I've been watching Black Friday iPad deals for five years now, so I've picked up a thing or two about predicting prices, knowing where to find the best deals, and when to jump in early. You'll find all my expectations for this year's sale just below, as well as the biggest offers on the shelves right now.

Today's best iPad deals ahead of Black Friday

UK

iPad 9th Generation (64GB) | $329 $199.99 at AmazonSave $130 -

iPad 9th Generation (64GB) | $329 $199.99 at Amazon
Save $130 - And it's back! After a week back up at $229, the 9th generation iPad has just dropped back down to $199.99 at Amazon. This is the record-low price I'm expecting to see over the main Black Friday event, so it's well worth jumping in on. The previous generation never hit these kinds of numbers, and the entry level tablet has only started to see discounts like this in the last few weeks.

Buy it if:

You want an everyday tablet
You want to stream or play lighter games
You don't need to save large files

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to run powerful apps

Price check: Best Buy: $229.99 | Walmart: $329

UK: £329 £279 at AO

iPad 10th Generation (64GB) | $349 $299 at AmazonSave $50 -

iPad 10th Generation (64GB) | $349 $299 at Amazon
Save $50 - The 10th Generation iPad is also back down to its lowest ever price at Amazon, with $50 off 2024's new $349 MSRP leaving us at just $299. This is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to boost their processing power.

Buy it if:

✅ You want a larger display
✅ You'll benefit from a faster processor
✅ You want a colorful design

Don't buy it if:

❌ You use heavily demanding apps

Price check: Best Buy: $349 | Walmart: $334

UK: £349 £308 at Amazon

iPad Mini (64GB) | $499 $349.99 at AmazonSave $150 -

iPad Mini (64GB) | $499 $349.99 at Amazon
Save $150 - I wouldn't wait too long to take advantage of this record-low price on the iPad Mini 6. With the new model muscling in on that $499 MSRP, stock on this device likely won't last until Black Friday iPad deals even kick off.

Buy it if:

✅ You want to take your iPad everywhere
✅ You don't use heavy apps
✅ You're happy with a smaller screen

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to use side-by-side apps

Price check: Walmart: $389 | Best Buy: $399.99

UK: £499 £449 at Amazon

iPad Air 11-inch (128GB) | $599 $499 at AmazonSave $100 -

iPad Air 11-inch (128GB) | $599 $499 at Amazon
Save $100 - The 11-inch iPad Air just took another $50 discount at Amazon, leaving us with a brand-new record-low price of just $499. That's beyond expectations even for November's event - I don't see this model getting any cheaper this year.

Buy it if:

✅ You use more demanding apps
✅ You need Apple Pencil 2
✅ You prioritize speed

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need to regularly view apps side by side

Price check: Walmart: $564 | Best Buy: $599

UK: £599 £559.97 at Amazon

iPad Air 13-inch (128GB) | $799 $698 at AmazonSave $100 -

iPad Air 13-inch (128GB) | $799 $698 at Amazon
Save $100 - The new 13-inch iPad Air has just taken its biggest discount ever at Amazon, with a $100 saving on the original $799 MSRP. That means we're at $698 right now, and considering this model has only ever dipped below $700 once before (to $699 back in July), I'm not expecting further savings in 2024.

Buy it if:

✅ You want a big-screen device
✅ You need to use split-screen
✅ You use an iPad for design

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a more portable device

Price check: Best Buy: $749 | Walmart: $799

UK: £799 £749 at Amazon

What to expect from Black Friday iPad deals in 2024

2024 might be the first year the 10th generation iPad takes over from the 9th generation in popularity. The older model used to clean up on Black Friday with a $249 - $279 sales price, but Apple dropped the price of its newer entry level tablet this year and that gap has closed significantly. You'll now find the A14 device on the shelves for $339 and discounts have even dipped us below $300 in the last few weeks. That means the 10th Gen iPad is now better value for money overall, and the first place I would point those looking for a basic tablet.

If you're going all out on a budget device, though, the 9th generation is still kicking around. Last year we saw that MSRP drip down to $229.99 / £299 at its lowest point, a record low for Black Friday in the US but still around £10 away in the UK. That's a particularly strong offer - we never saw the 8th generation drop that low, for example. However, we could see even greater discounts by the time November 2024 rolls around. In just the last week, the 9th generation iPad has dropped all the way to $199.99 in the US - that's cheaper than pretty much any iPad before it.

Despite its dinky form factor, the iPad Mini line is actually a fairly premium one. Packing all that tech into a one-handed chassis is an expensive affair, as reflected in the $499 / £499 starting price of the 2021 release. The new iPad Mini 7 will hit the shelves at the same MSRP, which means the Mini 6 will likely be phased out by the time Black Friday actually rolls around. The new iPad Mini 7 is an iterative update largely focusing on bringing Apple's AI to the system - it's not a necessary upgrade for Mini 6 users by any means. That means the previous generation model is going to represent vastly better value for money over the next week, though stock will move fast and once it's gone, it's gone.

iPad Air showing GamesRadar webpage on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

The new iPad Air is taking its first Black Friday discounts this year, but we've already seen some pretty impressive savings on the 11-inch model. This M2 device dropped from its $599 MSRP to $529.99 over the summer, and has been on sale for between $550 and $570 pretty consistently since then. That means I'm expecting at least a return to $530 on this model, and hopefully an extra $10 or $20 more. The larger 14-inch version seems to have taken over from the 11-inch iPad Pro in terms of pricing. Thankfully, though, I'm expecting to see numbers fall a little quicker from the Air than we've seen in previous $799 Pro models. That $800 tablet has been discounted regularly throughout the year so far, typically occupying a $735 position day to day but going as low as $699 in July. That's about where I'd expect to see things go on Black Friday itself.

New generation iPad Pros are also slipping away from their MSRPs a little easier than previous models. The $999 11-incher has been settled at $899 for weeks now, its lowest price yet. I'm not too optimistic for much more off that price - after all, previous Pro models only ever really shed $100 off their MSRP during sales events. The fact that these savings are coming so soon might speak to heavier discounts in November (potentially another $50 off), but it's also not unheard of for Apple to stick to its guns even during Black Friday iPad deals.

The story is similar on the 13-inch model, though the $100 discount has been a lot more concrete over the last few months. This device hasn't been up at its full $1,299 MSRP since late June, spending the rest of the year at $1,194. That means there could be a little extra space for an additional $50 discount by November.

Watch list:

iPad 9th Gen | Check Amazon

iPad 9th Gen | Check Amazon

MSRP: $329 / £329

Predicted Price: $199 / £259

iPad 10th Gen | Check Amazon

iPad 10th Gen | Check Amazon

MSRP: $349 / £349

Predicted Price: $299 / £309

iPad Mini | Check Amazon

iPad Mini | Check Amazon

MSRP: $499 / £499

Predicted Price: $359 / £459

iPad Air 11-inch | Check Amazon

iPad Air 11-inch | Check Amazon

MSRP: $599 / £599

Predicted Price: $559 / £559

iPad Air 13-inch | Check Amazon

iPad Air 13-inch | Check Amazon

MSRP: $799 / £799

Predicted Price: $719 / £769

iPad Pro 11-inch | Check Amazon

iPad Pro 11-inch | Check Amazon

MSRP: $999 / £999

Predicted Price: $899 / £949

iPad Pro 13-inch | Check Amazon

iPad Pro 13-inch | Check Amazon

MSRP: $1,299 / £1,299

Predicted Price: $1,189 / £1,199

Which iPad should you buy on Black Friday?

If you're itching for a taste of Apple's latest tablet lineup it can be difficult to work out exactly which Black Friday iPad deals you should be aiming for this year. To find out which model will suit you best, you first need to ask yourself what you plan on doing with your device. Each iPad is (fairly) neatly separated into several different use cases, so it's easy to work out whether you can pick up a cheap 9th generation model or go for something with a little more power under the hood.

9th generation iPad - you want an every day device for streaming, browsing the web, playing some games, and light note-taking.

10th generation iPad - you need more screen space and a faster processor for note-taking, gaming, and web browsing, but don't need the expensive M1 CPU.

iPad Air - you're generally going to be streaming and playing heavier games, but will also be writing up documents, taking more notes, or using your device as a graphics tablet.

iPad Mini - you need to take your iPad on the go with you regularly and don't want to carry a 10-inch+ device. The iPad Mini 6 is more powerful these days, but if you're looking to run more demanding apps or games, we'd recommend the Pro model instead - this one is mostly about form factor.

iPad Pro 11-inch - you're going to be using large files for media editing, playing high performance games, and using your iPad more as a computer.

iPad Pro 113-inch - you're looking for a device to replace a laptop when you're on the go, supporting powerful media editing controls, large file sizes, and with plenty of screen space for multi-tasking.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Best for
iPad 10.2-inch (9th gen)Everyday browsing, light note-taking, light gaming, entertainment
iPad AirModerate note-taking, light multi-tasking, gaming, entertainment
iPad MiniPortable browsing, light note-taking, light gaming
iPad ProHeavy note-taking, significant multi-tasking, high-end gaming, demanding apps

How to get the best Black Friday iPad deals: our top tips

Black Friday iPad deals are extremely competitive - especially if you're aiming for one of the more powerful Pro or Air models. We'd also class the new Mini in this category as well, as the dinky tablet packs a serious punch and is proving particularly popular.

It pays to go into these discounts with a game plan, and we've been tracking these sales periods for long enough to offer up some top tips below.

1. Start tracking prices now
You'll need to know when you're looking at a good deal when the competition really heats up in November, which means it's a good idea to start tracking prices on the model you're looking for now. We'd recommend keeping a close eye on any price drops you see, so that you can quickly judge whether an offer is worth your time on the day.

2. Know where to look on the day
Black Friday iPad deals can come and go in a flash, so it's worth knowing where you need to be on the day. We'll be rounding up all the best offers right here, so be sure to bookmark this page and come back when the discounts start rolling in. Otherwise, we'd recommend checking Amazon first - they often have some of the best prices around but can quickly extend their shipping times as stock grows thin.

3. Price-check
If you've found your perfect deal, it's worth making sure you can't get a better price elsewhere. Check other retailers for lower prices or additional incentives available at the same price. Some stores offer free subscriptions, accessories, or services when they can't beat another retailer on price alone and these may be more valuable to you.

4. Stick around
The fight isn't over, even when you've got that new iPad box in your hands. If you're really going for the best price possible, it's worth keeping your purchase in the packaging until Cyber Monday iPad deals are over. We sometimes see additional price drops on certain colorways during these later sales, so you may well find a better price.

FAQ

back panel of 9th generation iPad on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

When will Black Friday iPad deals begin?

Black Friday iPad deals will officially hit the stores on November 24 this year, not only that but this is generally when we see the biggest offers on the shelves. It's true, many retailers will likely (as has happened in previous years) launch their offers from the Monday before Thanksgiving - that's November 20 this year. However, we always see iPads holding out for the main event.

Where will the best Black Friday iPad deals be?

We'll be keeping this page well-stocked with all the best Black Friday iPad deals as soon as those offers start to roll in. However, if you're planning on searching for your own sales, these are the retailers we've found to have the best discounts in the past.

US:
Amazon:
regularly has the lowest prices around
Best Buy:
fewer discounts but bundles sometimes available
B&H Photo:
best for older and refurbished models
Newegg:
massive range of older devices
Walmart:
often price matches Amazon on Air and Pro

UK:
Amazon:
the best place for record low prices on the latest devices
Argos:
regular bundle deals with accessories included
Currys:
bundles often include free subscriptions and software
Ebuyer:
discounts often available on premium Pro models
John Lewis:
regular trade-in deals and excellent warranties
Laptops Direct:
excellent prices but a £5 shipping charge
Very:
stock often holds on longer with price matched deals

Is Black Friday a good time to buy an iPad?

While we may have had our off years, Black Friday is generally an excellent time to buy an iPad. Traditionally, we have new releases making their way to the shelves in this time, driving the prices of older models particularly low. While that might not be the case in 2024, we're still anticipating some record breaking savings - after all, each of the current models will have had an extra year on the shelves compared to their predecessors.

Should you buy an iPad on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

We'd recommend diving straight into Black Friday iPad deals rather than waiting for Cyber Monday iPad deals. The biggest and brightest offers are snapped up on the big day itself, so while some discounts might survive to round two they're not going to be as stable or widely available.

Last year's best Black Friday iPad deals in the US

iPad 9th generation (64GB) | $329 $229 at AmazonSave $100 -

iPad 9th generation (64GB) | $329 $229 at Amazon
Save $100 - The 9th generation iPad hit brand new record low prices at Amazon last Black Friday, dropping all the way down to just $229. Granted, this offer didn't last long but even when stock drifted off the shelves we were still enjoying prices of $249 at Walmart.

iPad 10th generation (64GB) | $449 $349 at AmazonSave $100 -

iPad 10th generation (64GB) | $449 $349 at Amazon
Save $100 - We didn't expect the 10th generation iPad to take a $100 discount in last year's Black Friday iPad deals. With the previous record low set at $399 (where this device had been for the previous few weeks), this was an astonishing offer. Some of the colors sold out quicker than others though.

iPad Mini (64GB) | $499 $399.99 at AmazonSave $100 -

iPad Mini (64GB) | $499 $399.99 at Amazon
Save $100 - The iPad Mini was also getting in on the record low price antics, shaving $100 from its MSRP to offer up this excellent $399.99 position on Amazon.

Last year's best Black Friday iPad deals in the UK

iPad 9th generation | £369 £299 at John LewisSave £70 -

iPad 9th generation | £369 £299 at John Lewis
Save £70 - We were just £12 away from the previous £287 record low price on the 9th generation iPad in the UK, and with John Lewis leading the pack you were also getting a free two-year guarantee here as well. New subscribers could also get Apple TV+ for three months for free.

iPad 10th generation (64GB) | £499 £437 at AmazonSave £62 -

iPad 10th generation (64GB) | £499 £437 at Amazon
Save £62 - We were seeing discounts on the newer 10th generation iPad last Black Friday, including at Amazon where you can currently save £62. This one kept going in and out of stock though.

iPad Mini | £569 £519.99 at AmazonSave £51.61 -

iPad Mini | £569 £519.99 at Amazon
Save £51.61 - Apple bumped up its prices on the iPad Mini in 2022, which means the previous record low was out of the question for last year's Black Friday iPad deals. As such, this £519.99 sale price at Amazon was still impressive - it was the cheapest we'd seen in the previous six months and it only ever dipped back below £500 very briefly once last year.

We're also getting you prepped for all this year's Black Friday laptop deals as well as the best Black Friday gaming laptop deals we expect to see as well. Or, if you're after more luxury tech, check out the Black Friday projector deals we expect from 2023.

Tabitha Baker
Managing Editor - Hardware

Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.