You’re staring at the Apple Store page and your brain is doing math that doesn't feel right. We've all been there. You want a tablet, you want it to be an iPad, but the price range is basically "slightly more than a nice dinner" to "used car territory."
Honestly, finding out how much for ipad in early 2026 depends entirely on whether you're chasing the new M5 chips or just trying to get through a Netflix queue. Apple just refreshed the lineup, and while the entry-level prices look stable, the "hidden costs" like the Apple Pencil Pro or those floating keyboards are where the bill actually explodes.
The 2026 Price List: From Budget to "Pro-hibitively" Expensive
If you just want the basics, the 11th-generation iPad (A16 chip) is currently the sweet spot. Apple lists it starting at $349, but if you check Amazon or Best Buy right now, it’s frequently dipping to $329. It finally has 128GB of base storage, so you aren't constantly deleting photos to download a software update.
For the power users, the conversation changes. The iPad Pro (M5) is the current king. You’re looking at $999 for the 11-inch and a whopping $1,299 for the 13-inch. And that’s just for the Wi-Fi model with 256GB. If you want that fancy nano-texture glass to stop the glare from your office window, you have to buy at least a 1TB model, which pushes the price toward $1,699.
Current Market Pricing (January 2026)
- iPad (11th Gen, A16): $349 (Retail) / $329 (Street Price)
- iPad Mini (A17 Pro): $499 (Retail) / $399 (Often on sale)
- iPad Air (13-inch, M3): $799
- iPad Air (11-inch, M3): $599
- iPad Pro (11-inch, M5): $999
- iPad Pro (13-inch, M5): $1,299
Why the iPad Mini 7 is the Weirdest Deal Right Now
The iPad Mini is in a strange spot. It’s small, it’s powerful enough for Apple Intelligence, and the retail price is stuck at $499. But here’s the thing: nobody should pay that.
Retailers like Amazon have been aggressive lately. You can often snag the 128GB Wi-Fi version for $399. For a device that fits in a jacket pocket and runs the same AI features as the more expensive Air, that $100 discount makes it a better value than the base iPad for some people. It's basically the "enthusiast's choice" that goes on sale every other week.
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Don't Forget the "Tax" on Accessories
When you ask how much for ipad, you aren't just paying for the glass and aluminum. If you’re a student or an artist, the tablet is half the story.
The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129. If you’re getting the Pro or Air, you probably want the Magic Keyboard. For the 13-inch M5 Pro, that keyboard is $349.
Think about that. You could buy a whole second base-model iPad for the price of the keyboard alone. It’s a bit ridiculous, but if you’re trying to replace a laptop, it’s the tax you pay for the ecosystem.
How to Actually Save Money
If these numbers are making your wallet sweat, stop looking at "New" and start looking at "Refurbished."
The M4 iPad Pro from 2024 is still an absolute beast. Now that the M5 is out, you can find refurbished M4 models at B&H Photo or through Apple’s own Certified Refurbished store for around $799-$849. You lose very little in real-world performance—most people can't even max out an M2 chip, let alone an M5.
Also, check for education pricing. If you have a .edu email address or know someone who does, Apple usually knocks $50 to $100 off the Pro and Air models year-round, not just during "Back to School" season.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Storage: Never buy 64GB in 2026. Thankfully, most new models start at 128GB or 256GB. If you find an older 64GB model on clearance, skip it unless you live entirely in the cloud.
- Track the Sales: Use a tool like CamelCamelCamel to see the price history of the iPad Mini. If it's not currently $399, wait a week. It’ll probably drop back down.
- Trade-In Strategy: Apple is currently offering up to $685 for trade-ins. If you have an iPad Pro from 2021 or 2022, that credit can make the jump to an M5 model significantly less painful.
- Decide on Cellular: Adding 5G adds $150 to $200 to the price, plus a monthly data plan. Most people are better off just tethering to their iPhone for free.