Apple makes some top-notch tablets these days, and you don’t have to buy a range-topping model to get a great experience. The entry-level iPad A16 is still our expert’s top pick for most people, and it’s a great device whether you’re scrolling social media, streaming your favorite content or playing games. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also the cheapest model in Apple’s lineup, and it’s even more affordable if you take advantage of one of the various deals on offer at big-name retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy.
You can save up to $49 with a direct discount at Amazon, while free Apple services make Best Buy and Walmart compelling vendors — even if they offer more modest $20 discounts. Some retailers are also offering massive trade-in savings in exchange for your old tablet. To help you make the most of these offers, CNET’s shopping experts have rounded up the top bargains below. Just note that deals and prices can change quickly, and there’s no guarantee how long these discounts will last. We’ll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often.
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This 11th-gen model offers some nice improvements over its 2022 predecessor. It doubled the base storage to 128GB and replaced the A14 chip with an A16. It doesn’t run Apple Intelligence, but it does offer a 512GB storage tier and works with the 10th-gen iPad’s Keyboard Folio.
It starts at just $349, which is the same price it was before, so the upgrades add more value. You can also pick up the Magic Keyboard for $300 at Amazon, a nice $19 price cut.
Best iPad A16 deals
You can order the updated A16 iPad at Apple right now, starting at just $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the version with cellular support. While there are no direct discounts on this tablet, if you have an older device you’d like to part with, you could get up to $670 for an eligible trade-in, helping offset some of the cost of your upgrade.
Just keep in mind that only newer models with more advanced chips will receive the full discount. If your trade-in exceeds the cost of the device, you’ll get the remainder back as an Apple gift card.
Additionally, you can earn 3% cash back when you use your Apple Card* to make your purchase.
Amazon has select configurations of the basic iPad A16 available for as low as $300, which saves you $49 compared to the usual starting price. Note that prices can vary quite a bit between different colors and configurations.
Best Buy is offering the entry-level iPad with a direct $20 discount, and you can save even more if you take advantage of its own trade-in program. You can save up to $200 if you’re upgrading from the 10th-gen iPad, or even more for a Pro or Air model. Plus, Best Buy also accepts tablets from Google, Samsung, Amazon and many other brands.
You’ll also get three free months of Apple Fitness Plus, Apple Music and Apple Arcade, as well as two free months of Apple TV with the purchase if you’re a new or returning subscriber.
Walmart isn’t offering any discounts on the iPad right now, but you do get to try out four of Apple’s services for free. You’ll get three months of Apple News Plus and Apple TV as well as four months of Apple Music and Apple Arcade with your purchase.
B&H is offering a $20 direct discount on the A16 iPad. You’ll also get the tax as cashback if you make the purchase with a B&H Payboo credit card.*
Adorama doesn’t currently offer any standard discount on the entry-level iPad. However, you can save 5% when you use the Adorama Edge Credit Card* and the retailer offers a rewards program that lets you earn points redeemable for credit against future purchases.
What is the best iPad A16 deal right now?
Amazon is offering a discount of up to $49, depending on which model you choose, which drops the starting price to $300. If you have an old tablet to trade in, you can score some serious savings at Apple and Best Buy.
*All information about the Apple Card, B&H Payboo Credit Card, and Adorama Edge Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
How we choose iPad deals at CNET
Discounts on the latest Apple devices can be hard to come by but CNET’s dedicated deals team has years of experience helping readers score savings on top tech. Above, we’ve rounded up any straightforward discounts currently available on the iPad A16, as well as some additional ways to save.
These include any trade-in offers, exclusive discounts when you pay with a specific credit card and any free services you may get with the purchase. We also ensure that all featured deals are sourced from a trustworthy retailer, so you never have to wonder if a bargain is too good to be true.
The base price for the iPad A16 is $349. It’s an extra $100 if you want to upgrade to 256GB of storage or $200 for 512GB of storage. If you want cellular connectivity, prices start at $499.
This model comes in silver, blue, pink and yellow.
Apple rarely offers discounts on its own devices, especially the latest models, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re hoping to pick up one of these iPad A16 models on sale. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart are a good place to start, especially during major shopping events. It’s also worth seeing what deals are available at smaller online retailers like Adorama, B&H and Newegg, because they may be offering some under-the-radar bargains that aren’t being matched by larger competitors.
Not sure if these iPad models are the right fit for your budget or needs? Check out all the latest iPad deals for more options across Apple’s entire tablet lineup.
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