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

Deals
By published

Upcoming IOS updates make this one a real bargain

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

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.

View Deal

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.

View Deal
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.

View Deal
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.

View Deal
Jamie Richards
Jamie Richards
Mobile Computing Staff Writer

Jamie is a Mobile Computing Staff Writer for TechRadar, responsible for covering phones and tablets. A lifelong tech-obsessive, Jamie began his writing career as a music blogger before studying journalism at Goldsmiths College, and joined TechRadar in 2024. He thinks the iPhone 5S is the greatest phone of all time, but is currently an Android user.

As well as reporting on the latest in mobile hardware, software, and industry developments, Jamie specialises in features and long-form pieces that dive into the latest phone and tablet trends. He can also be found writing for the site's Audio and Streaming sections from time to time, or behind the decks as a DJ at local venues around London.

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.