In the U.S., iPad pricing starts at $349 for iPad, $499 for iPad mini, $599 for iPad Air, and $999 for iPad Pro.
If you’re eyeing a new Apple tablet, the sticker price swings a lot by model, screen size, and storage. This guide lays out the current lineup, what “from” prices really buy, and how to match features to your budget without paying for extras you won’t use.
How Much Does An iPad Cost Today?
Apple sells four current families: iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad (A16), and iPad mini. As of today, Apple lists “from” prices on its store that serve as clean anchors. You can double-check these on Apple’s own buy iPad page and the iPad compare tool. The table below gathers the lineup at a glance so you can narrow fast.
| Model | Screen Size(s) | Starting Price (Wi-Fi) |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M4) | 11-inch, 13-inch | $999 |
| iPad Air (M3) | 11-inch, 13-inch | $599 |
| iPad (A16) | 11-inch class (10.9 in viewable) | $349 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | 8.3-inch | $499 |
Sources: Apple’s official pricing on the buy iPad page and compare tool.
What The “From” Price Actually Includes
That starting number gets you the base storage, Wi-Fi only, and your choice of color. Apple lists storage steps and optional cellular during checkout. Storage tiers vary by model, and higher tiers raise the price. Cellular adds another bump and requires a carrier plan. If you need exact configuration totals, build your pick on Apple’s store; the tool updates the number in real time.
Who Each iPad Fits Best
iPad (A16): Everyday Value
This is the budget-friendly lane for reading, streaming, email, light gaming, and schoolwork. It uses Apple’s A-series chip, has an 11-inch class screen, and supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) along with keyboards that attach via magnets. If you’re upgrading from a much older Lightning model, this will feel swift and modern without pushing your budget.
iPad mini (A17 Pro): Pocketable Power
The small one keeps real tablet speed in a one-hand size. It’s great for pilots, note-takers, commuters, and anyone who wants a compact sketchbook or reader that still runs pro-grade apps. It costs more than iPad (A16) due to the newer chip and niche design, yet it undercuts Air with a smaller display.
iPad Air (M3): Midrange Sweet Spot
Air brings Apple’s M-class chip to a lighter frame with 11- and 13-inch options. It feels fast for code, photo edits, multi-app workflows, and big school projects. It supports Apple Pencil Pro, the newer Magic Keyboard for Air, and the same modern ports and cameras many users want. For most buyers who want speed and longevity without Pro pricing, this is the safe play.
iPad Pro (M4): Creator And Power User Pick
Pro adds the Ultra Retina XDR OLED display (tandem OLED), higher brightness control, ProMotion up to 120Hz, and the top-tier M-series chip. It pairs with the premium Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. If your work involves color-sensitive retouching, high-track-count audio, 3D, or you simply want the best display Apple puts in a tablet, this tier earns its keep.
Storage: How Much You Need
Think through your files before paying for big jumps. Cloud services and an external SSD can stretch a lower tier, while offline shooters and editors need more headroom. A clear way to decide:
- 128–256GB: Web, streaming, school files, casual photos, a handful of offline movies, and plenty of apps.
- 512GB–1TB: Photo libraries with RAW files, big iPadOS games, recorded lectures in bulk, and media loaded for flights.
- 2TB (where offered): Intensive creative or scientific workloads with heavy local assets and caches.
Wi-Fi Only Or Wi-Fi + Cellular?
Wi-Fi only fits users who spend time at home, school, or work with stable networks and phone hotspots for the occasional trip. Cellular makes sense if you travel often, work in the field, or hand an iPad to a kid who won’t have tethering handy. Keep the monthly data cost in your total ownership math.
Apple Pencil And Keyboards: What To Budget
Apple Pencil options and keyboard folios can shift the bottom line. Apple’s site lists the accessories clearly, along with compatibility notes. The latest stylus with advanced squeeze and haptics is Apple Pencil Pro at $129, while Apple Pencil (USB-C) comes in at $79. If you’re leaning toward a laptop-like setup, the Magic Keyboard for Pro and the Magic Keyboard for Air add a trackpad and function row and are priced like premium laptop keyboards.
Price Range By Use Case
Instead of chasing specs, anchor on the work you plan to do and map that to a simple budget band.
Reading, Streaming, Notes
Start with iPad (A16). Add Apple Pencil (USB-C) if you want handwriting, and a basic Bluetooth keyboard for writing. This setup keeps you near the low end of the range while feeling modern for years.
College And Light Creative Work
Go iPad Air, 11-inch for portability or 13-inch for more canvas. Pencil Pro unlocks better sketch and note workflows. The Magic Keyboard for Air turns it into a tidy typing rig without the bulk of a laptop.
Photo, Design, Music, And Video
Pick iPad Pro for the OLED panel and the M-series headroom. If you live in Lightroom or Affinity Photo, or you grade footage on the go, the screen alone makes a difference. Pair with Pencil Pro and the Pro keyboard for a mobile studio.
Total Cost Tips That Save Money
Pick The Right Storage First
Jumping two storage tiers can cost more than adding fast external storage and leaning on cloud sync. If your workflow allows it, keep local space modest and carry a tiny SSD for large, infrequent projects.
Decide On Cellular Up Front
Buying Wi-Fi only and adding cellular later usually means swapping devices. If you think you’ll want always-on data within a year, price the cellular model now and compare that to a hotspot plan on your phone.
Shop Education Pricing If Eligible
Students, parents of college students, and educators get a small break on devices and accessories via Apple’s education store. You’ll find a link in the footer of Apple’s site; the product pages show any eligible reductions during checkout.
Model-By-Model Buying Notes
iPad (A16)
Best for: everyday productivity, K-12, casual art, media. Why it works: the price is low, battery life is steady, and Pencil (USB-C) covers handwriting and basic sketching. Watch for: less display tech than Air/Pro, and fewer premium accessory choices.
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Best for: travelers, avid readers, field techs, pilots. Why it works: strong chip in a compact frame and Pencil support. Watch for: smaller keyboard choices and the highest dollars-per-inch ratio.
iPad Air (M3)
Best for: students, creators who want a larger canvas, remote-work multitaskers. Why it works: M-class performance, Pencil Pro, and a keyboard with a trackpad bridge the gap to a laptop for less than Pro. Watch for: the display lacks ProMotion and OLED; if color work and motion clarity matter a lot, weigh Pro.
iPad Pro (M4)
Best for: photo/video editors, illustrators, musicians, demanding multitaskers. Why it works: the OLED panel, higher refresh rate, and the fastest chip in the lineup create a no-compromise canvas. Watch for: once you add Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, you’re in premium laptop price territory.
How To Read Apple’s Price Boxes
When you click “Buy,” Apple shows size, finish, storage, and connectivity. Prices update as you pick options. The product page footnotes also spell out display measurements and feature availability. If you want official details on screens, cameras, and radios, Apple’s compare tool lists tech specs side by side with clear notes on things like Wi-Fi 6E and 5G support.
Accessory Compatibility At A Glance
Pencil compatibility is now simpler: Air and Pro work with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C); iPad (A16) works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and can still pair with the 1st-gen Pencil via adapter; mini supports Pencil Pro in its latest revision. You can confirm the full matrix on Apple’s Apple Pencil page where pricing and supported models are listed.
| Need | Recommended Model | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | iPad (A16) | Modern design, solid speed, Pencil (USB-C) support, largest app library. |
| Portable Reader/Sketchbook | iPad mini | One-hand size with a fast chip and stylus support. |
| College Workloads | iPad Air 11-inch | M-series performance, Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard for laptop-like typing. |
| Big Canvas For Notes/Art | iPad Air 13-inch | More screen for split-view, lectures, and sketch detail without Pro pricing. |
| Color-Critical Photo/Video | iPad Pro 11- or 13-inch | OLED XDR, ProMotion, top chip, Pencil Pro precision. |
| Field Work With Maps | Any model with Cellular | Built-in data keeps apps live without hotspots. |
Pricing Scenarios That Make Sense
Starter Setup Under $600
Pick iPad (A16) and add Apple Pencil (USB-C). You get a modern slate, a stylus for notes, and enough storage for apps and media. Save the keyboard money unless you type daily.
Balanced Setup Around $900–$1,200
iPad Air with a mid storage tier and Magic Keyboard for Air. This combo handles papers, photo edits, and long writing sessions. The 11-inch keeps weight low; the 13-inch spreads out your workspace.
Creator Setup $1,500+
iPad Pro plus Pencil Pro and the Pro keyboard. You’re paying for the display and headroom. If your income or core hobby revolves around visuals, this spend tracks. If not, Air remains the better value.
What About Sales And Refurbished?
Retailers run promos, and Apple’s own refurbished store lists graded units with a fresh battery, a new outer shell, and a one-year warranty. If you’re fine skipping the latest color or a small chip bump, you can shave a meaningful amount off retail while still buying from Apple.
Simple Buying Checklist
- Pick the model that matches your use (read/watch, school, creative).
- Choose size for comfort and bag space (11-inch is the easy daily carry; 13-inch is great for multitasking and art).
- Set storage by file style (cloud and external drives extend lower tiers).
- Decide on cellular only if you’ll use it weekly; otherwise, hotspot plans save cash.
- Add accessories only if they change how you work today (Pencil for notes/art, keyboard for typing hours).
Bottom Line Pricing Guide
If you want the lowest entry, iPad (A16) at $349 is the move. If you want speed and a long runway, iPad Air at $599 hits a nice balance with Pencil Pro support and a great keyboard path. If you work in color-critical or pro creative apps, iPad Pro at $999 pays you back in screen quality and performance. If you crave pocketable size, iPad mini at $499 is the right kind of small.
Pricing and features referenced from Apple’s buy iPad page, the iPad compare tool, and Apple’s official pages for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Taxes, carrier fees, and local promotions can change your final checkout number.