I think it's a great time to buy Apple’s cheapest iPad thanks to this Prime Day deal - here's why

iPad on a green background. Text reads: Don't Miss
(Image credit: Apple)

I recently wrote that it’s now the perfect time to buy Apple’s cheapest iPad – at the time of writing, that’s the base model 11-inch iPad with 128GB of storage. Thanks to a timely Amazon Prime Day deal, you can now get the 11-inch iPad for $279 (was $349) at Amazon.

See all of today's best Amazon deals

That’s a saving of $70, or a full 20% off the list price. The standard iPad is already pretty well priced for its hardware capability and the access it provides to the Apple ecosystem, and this deal makes it an even easier choice for people who want a tablet for everyday computing and communication.

What’s more, the upcoming release of iPadOS 26 is set to revolutionize the base-model iPad experience, adding full support for windowed apps, a menu bar, and more desktop-style UI elements.

Though we can’t recommend a product based on unreleased software, the iPad is already a very capable machine, so this deal could be one to act on even if you’re not sure about putting your faith in Apple’s upcoming update.

Amazon Prime Day deal: iPad 11-inch (2025)

Apple iPad
Apple iPad: was $349 now $279 at Amazon

The base model iPad is the best it's ever been. Apple's cheapest tablet now comes equipped with the A16 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and a gorgeous 11-inch display. It doesn't have Apple Intelligence, and isn't the most powerful tablet on the market, but it does offer excellent value, and is set to get some desktop-style features with iPadOS 26. This deal knocks a welcome $70 off the list price, and is only a few bucks off the lowest price we've seen this tablet hit.

Beyond the prospect of iPadOS 26 on the horizon, the base-model iPad is more capable than it’s ever been.

For such a reasonably priced tablet, there’s a lot of power on offer here – the A16 chipset is more than capable of day-to-day tasks, as well as some gaming and productivity work, and 6GB of RAM – while low compared to competitors – still enough for a spot of multitasking.

The current-gen iPad comes with an 11-inch display housed in a modern flat-edged chassis. That display is still one of the best you’ll find at this price point, with a sharp 1640 x 2360 resolution and 500 nits of peak brightness.

As for accessories, the iPad is compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard Folio and the first-gen and USB-C Apple Pencil models. The tablet also supports a wide range of accessories over Bluetooth. That $70 discount makes now a great time to buy this flexible and fashionable tablet.

More Prime Day tablet deals

Apple  iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro): was $499 now $399 at Amazon

There's little not to love about Apple's iPad mini tablet. The built-in A17 Pro chip provides an incredible level of power alongside an 8.3-inch display that looks simply stunning. This is a portable powerhouse that makes a perfect travel companion. A $100 discount brings it back down to the lowest price we've ever seen.

Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025): was $599 now $499 at Amazon

Apple's latest iPad Air is $100 off, bringing the price down to a record low. You're getting Apple's powerful M3 chip, the latest iPad Air boasts a crisp Liquid Retina display, 128GB of storage as standard, 12MP front and back cameras, and support for Apple Intelligence AI features.

Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet
Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet: was $229.99 now $139.99 at Amazon

Here's another record-low price on Amazon's most powerful (and largest) Fire tablet. The vivid 11-inch display is ideal for streaming your favorite shows, reading a book, or playing games. The battery life is up to 14 hours, while the optional stylus and keyboard add extra functionality to this capable tablet. It's also easy to do light admin work with.

TOPICS
Jamie Richards
Mobile Computing Staff Writer

Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. He’s been tech-obsessed from a young age and has written for various news and culture publications. Jamie graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Since starting out as a music blogger in 2020, he’s worked on local news stories, finance trade magazines, and multimedia political features. He brings a love for digital journalism and consumer technology to TechRadar. Outside of the TechRadar office, Jamie can be found binge-watching tech reviews, DJing in local venues around London, or challenging friends to a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.