Finding out how much is a ipad mini sounds like it should be a simple Google search, but honestly, it’s a bit of a moving target these days. If you walk into an Apple Store right now, you’re going to see a different number than if you’re scrolling through Amazon at 2 AM or checking the "Open Box" section at Best Buy.
The short answer? You're looking at $499 for the base model. That's the sticker price for the current 7th-generation (A17 Pro) version with 128GB of storage.
🔗 Read more: How to Contact Meta Support Live Chat Without Losing Your Mind
But nobody actually wants to pay full retail if they can help it. And in 2026, with the rumors of a fancy OLED "iPad Mini 8" swirling around—which might push prices up by another $100—knowing when to pull the trigger is everything.
The Reality of the $499 Sticker Price
Apple finally got the hint and ditched the measly 64GB entry-level storage. Now, that $499 gets you 128GB, which is actually usable for more than just three movies and a few PDF files.
If you need more room, the prices jump fast. For the 256GB model, you’re looking at $599. Want the 512GB beast? That’ll be $799.
Then there’s the "Cellular Tax." If you want to use 5G without hunting for a Starbucks Wi-Fi password, you have to add $150 to any of those prices. So, a top-tier iPad Mini with 512GB and Cellular connectivity hits $949. At that point, you’re basically in MacBook Air territory, which is a wild realization for a device that fits in a jacket pocket.
Where to Find a Better Deal
Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart are basically allergic to MSRP. It’s rare to see them selling the iPad Mini for the full $499 for more than a week at a time.
I’ve seen Best Buy drop the base model to $399 during seasonal sales. That $100 discount makes a massive difference in the value proposition. If you’re seeing it for $449, that’s a "buy it if you need it now" price. If it hits $399, that’s a "don’t think, just grab it" price.
Refurbished and Older Models
If you don't mind a "pre-loved" device, the Apple Refurbished store is a gold mine. You can often snag a 6th-generation Mini (the one with the A15 chip) for around $379.
👉 See also: Indoor Outdoor Weather Thermometer: What Most People Get Wrong
Is the 6th gen still good in 2026?
Sorta.
It’s fine for reading and Netflix, but it won’t run the latest "Apple Intelligence" features as smoothly as the newer A17 Pro model. If you just want a digital notebook, it’s a steal. If you want a gaming powerhouse, stick to the current gen.
Even older? The 5th-generation Mini from 2019 is still kicking around on sites like Back Market or Swappa for about $220. It’s got the old-school home button and big bezels. Honestly, it feels a bit like a relic now, but for a kid's first tablet or a dedicated Kindle replacement, it’s hard to argue with that price.
Why the iPad Mini Price Might Jump Soon
There is a lot of chatter among analysts like Ross Young and Ming-Chi Kuo about the next iteration. If Apple moves to an OLED screen—which would fix the "jelly scrolling" some people complain about—experts expect a price hike.
We might be looking at a starting price of $599 for the next generation.
This puts the current $499 model in a weird spot. It’s the "affordable" high-end small tablet right now. If you’re asking how much is a ipad mini because you’re on the fence, 2026 is actually a pretty good year to buy. The hardware is modern enough to last another four years, but the price hasn't hit that "Pro" level yet.
Hidden Costs You’re Probably Forgetting
The tablet isn't the only thing you're buying. Unless you have tiny, precise fingers, you're probably going to want the Apple Pencil Pro. That’s another $129.
And cases? A decent Smart Folio from Apple is $59, though you can find "knock-offs" on Amazon for $15 that do the exact same thing.
👉 See also: Should I Get iOS 18: What Most People Get Wrong About the Update
Don't forget AppleCare+. For a device this portable, you're going to drop it. It happens. That’s either $4.99 a month or a flat $99 for two years.
Actionable Strategy for Buyers
If you want the best bang for your buck, here is how to play the market:
- Wait for the $399 sale: Check Amazon and Best Buy on holiday weekends. $399 is the magic number for the 128GB model.
- Trade in your old gear: Apple is currently giving anywhere from $35 to $685 for trade-ins. Even an old cracked iPad might knock $50 off the price.
- Check Education Pricing: If you’re a student or teacher (or know one), the Apple Education Store usually knocks $50 off the price year-round.
- Skip the Cellular: Most people just hotspot from their phones. Saving that $150 upfront—plus the monthly data plan cost—is the easiest way to keep the budget under control.
The bottom line: The iPad Mini is a luxury niche product. It’s for the person who thinks the iPad Air is too big and the iPhone is too small. You’re paying for the form factor, and right now, that's going to cost you roughly $450 to $500 for a new one that will actually last.