Thinking about buying a new iPad in 2025, but unsure when to pull the trigger? Then don’t worry, you are not the only one. Apple’s pricing strategy follows a precise pattern, launch cycle, sales seasons, and silent price drops. This can either save or cost you hundreds of dollars, so invest wisely.
Knowing when to buy an iPad can help you buy smarter and keep your investment future-proof. In this article, we will explain Apple’s buying timeline and reveal the best and worst times to purchase an iPad in 2025 and beyond.

What time of the year is the cheapest to buy an iPad?
Understanding Apple’s iPad Launch Pattern and Market Timing
The 2025 iPad Lineup and Annual Buying Cycle
The Best and Worst Times to Buy a New iPad
Smart Buying Strategy: Pairing iPad Purchase with ESR Accessories
Understanding Apple’s iPad Launch Pattern and Market Timing
It is important to be aware of the rhythm and pricing logic of Apple before making a purchase decision:
1. Annual Rhythm: Apple engages in the updated version of iPads on an annual basis, either in March or October.
2. Silent Strategy: Most iPads are introduced with little media attention due to press release-driven events, as they do not divert the focus from the flagship iPhones.
3. Stable Windows: The prices remain stable within 60-90 days of release, then start to decline.
4. Discount Triggers: Key activities such as Prime Day, Black Friday, and after-holiday deals are linked to apparent price reductions.
5. Upgrade Signals: Look to leaks on analyst and Apple newsroom for signals of a new model.
6. Price Control: Controlled launches help Apple manage inventory and avoid early markdowns.
7. Market Alignment: Release dates sync with iPadOS upgrades and new M-series chips.
8. Buyer Impact: Knowing these patterns prevents buying right before new models appear.

The 2025 iPad Lineup and Annual Buying Cycle
As of October 2025, the iPad will comprise 4 main models that will be oriented towards a specific user. Apple has developed a routine of releasing updates to its products: the base models and the Air models are updated (spring, March-April), and the Pro line is updated (fall, September-October). With this hierarchy in mind, you can easily plan what to buy, be it with high performance or maximum value.

2025 iPad Lineup Overview
|
Model |
Chip |
Display |
Release Date |
Features |
|
iPad (11th generation) |
A16 Bionic |
10.9" Liquid Retina |
March 2025 |
128 GB base storage, USB-C, improved front camera, no Apple Intelligence support |
|
iPad Air (7th generation) |
M3 |
11" and 13" Liquid Retina |
March 2025 |
Apple Intelligence compatibility, two size options, redesigned Magic Keyboard |
|
iPad Pro (8th generation) |
M5 |
11" and 13" OLED Ultra Retina XDR |
October 2025 |
Thunderbolt 5, OLED panel, M5 chip, Apple Pencil Pro 2 support |
|
iPad Mini (7th generation) |
A17 Pro |
8.3" Liquid Retina |
2024 (latest) |
Compact size, Pencil Pro support, Apple Intelligence ready |
The Best and Worst Times to Buy a New iPad
The best and worst times to buy a new iPad are directly tied to Apple’s annual release cycle and major sales periods. Buying smart means knowing when Apple is due to launch new models and when retailers slash prices.

Best Times to Buy a New iPad
|
Timing |
Why It is Ideal |
Best For |
Expected Model |
|
Immediately After Launch |
Full lifecycle ahead and longest software support window. |
Buyers want future-proof devices. |
iPad 11th Gen (A16), iPad Air M3 (March 2025). |
|
1-3 Months Post-Launch |
First, price drops and retailer bundles begin. |
Students, creators, and hybrid users. |
iPad Air M3 bundles, iPad Pro M5 discounts by December 2025. |
|
Mid-Cycle Sales |
Major discounts during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and education promotions. |
Cost-conscious buyers. |
10–20% off on Base or Air models; trade-in bonuses. |
|
Post-Holiday (January-April 2026) |
Retailers clear older M-series and A-series stock. |
Budget or secondary-device buyers. |
Refurbished iPad Air M3, iPad Pro M4 models. |
Why It Works
Buying right after release locks in the newest chip (A16, M3, or M5) and a future-proof device. Waiting two or three months brings moderate discounts once Apple stabilizes supply. Black Friday and post-holiday months offer the largest savings as Apple and retailers make room for spring inventory.
The Worst Times to Buy a New iPad
|
Timing |
Why Avoid It |
Risk |
|
January–February (Pre-Spring) |
New base and Air models debut by March. |
Paying full price for soon-outdated versions. |
|
August–September (Pre-Fall) |
The iPad Pro refresh happens around October. |
Losing resale value weeks later. |
|
Launch-Week Rush |
Initial supply is tight, and no launch discounts are available. |
Higher prices, limited stock. |
Why It Matters
Apple’s predictable dual-cycle means every model class has a “danger zone.” Buying just before March or October usually guarantees you’ll miss an imminent upgrade. Prices do not usually drop until the new models are released, and in the meantime, early adopters are left with hardware of the previous generation.
Smart Buying Strategy: Pairing iPad Purchase with ESR Accessories
Once the right iPad has been chosen, you can complement it with the right iPad accessories. The high-end products of ESR are high-protection, smooth functionalities, and a smooth design that is designed to build on any iPad purchase.
Armorite Screen Protector (For All iPad Models)
Armorite protector is composed of ultra-thin tempered glass, which has been combined with 9H of hardness to make it last longer. It offers edge-to-edge coverage and a clear display with a responsive touch.

Benefits
1. It presents actual display brightness, sharpness, and natural color quality.
2. Fingerprints, smudges, and screen glare are reduced with oleophobic coating.
3. An easy installation kit will guarantee fast, accurate, and trouble-free application of the screens.
Best top pick: iPad Pro 13 M5 Armorite protector,iPad Pro 11 M5 Armorite protector,iPad Air 13 M3 Armorite protector,iPad Air 11 M3 Armorite protector,iPad A16 Armorite protector
Rebound Folio Hybrid Case 360 (for iPad Pro/Air)
This hybrid case offers full-body protection with a rotating magnetic cover and sturdy transparent shell. It’s built for versatility, letting users type, draw, or stream comfortably in any orientation.

Benefits
1. Provides multi-angle viewing for typing, sketching, and comfortable media use.
2. Has a 360-degree rotation to give easy landscape or portrait adjustment.
3. The screen and camera are raised to avoid damage caused by impact.
Best top pick: iPad Pro 13 M5 Folio case,iPad Pro 11 M5 Folio Case,iPad Air 13 M3 Folio Case,iPad Air 11 M3 Folio Case
Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case (for iPad Pro/Air)
This removable keyboard cover will make an iPad a portable workstation. It has a magnetic rear shell, an adjustable hinge, and shortcut keys, which provide a laptop style anywhere.

Benefits
1. Provides adjustable viewing angles for writing, drawing, or content reviewing.
2. Shortcut keys improve workflow speed across editing and browsing tasks.
3. Long battery life supports extended use without frequent charging interruptions.
Best top pick: iPad Pro 13 M5 bluethooth Keyboard case,iPad Pro 11 M5 bluethooth Keyboard case,iPad Air 13 M3 bluethooth Keyboard case,iPad Air 11 M3 Magnetic Keyboard case
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlighted how timing determines the best and worst moments to buy a new iPad in Apple’s annual cycle. It described the iPad product range 2025, the best time to buy, and the buying pitfalls to avoid. To complete your experience with an iPad, you can use ESR accessories to provide your device with long-lasting protection, increased productivity, and sustained performance.
People Also Ask
What time of the year is the cheapest to buy an iPad?
January to April is the lowest time to purchase an iPad in terms of clearance sales. Retailers have post-holiday sales and refurb prices to trade inventory ahead of the spring refresh of Apple.
Is Apple releasing new iPads in 2025?
Yes, there were new iPads by Apple released in March and October 2025 with improved chips. The iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M5) are the headline products of the new 2025.
What iPads will stop working in 2025?
Older models, such as iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, lose iPadOS 26 support. They will not take any further updates or security patches after the mid-2025 release.
How much do iPads cost in 2025?
The entry iPad (A16) retails at $449, and the iPad Air (M3) is priced at $599. iPad Pro (M5) costs between $999 and $1499, depending on the configuration.