Honestly, trying to pin down exactly how much is iPad 10th generation right now is a bit of a moving target. If you walk into a shiny Apple Store today, you’ll see one price. If you’re hunting through the digital aisles of Amazon or Walmart at 2:00 AM, you’ll see something totally different. And if you’re brave enough to look at the used market? Well, that’s where things get really wild.
The 10th-gen iPad—that colorful one with the USB-C port and no home button—has lived a double life. It started as the "expensive" entry-level model. Now, it's basically the budget king. But because Apple released the 11th-gen iPad (the A16 model) in early 2025, the 10th-gen has been pushed into a very specific pricing niche that you need to understand before you swipe your card.
The Official Apple Store Price (And Why You Might Ignore It)
Apple finally got the memo and dropped the price of the 10th-gen iPad. For a long time, they were stubborn about it. Nowadays, the official MSRP from Apple is $349 for the base 64GB Wi-Fi model.
🔗 Read more: What Does IBM Stand For? The Story Behind Big Blue
If you need more room for apps and photos—and let’s be real, 64GB is tiny in 2026—the 256GB version jumps up to $499.
Here is the kicker: nobody really buys it from Apple anymore unless they have a trade-in. Third-party retailers are constantly undercutting these numbers. I’ve seen Walmart and Amazon list the 256GB model for as low as $349 during sales events. That’s the same price Apple charges for a quarter of the storage. It pays to be patient.
Breaking Down the Real-World Costs
Let's look at what people are actually paying across the web. Prices change faster than the weather, but these are the benchmarks for early 2026 based on recent market data.
New From Retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy)
- 64GB Wi-Fi: Usually floats between $299 and $329.
- 256GB Wi-Fi: Often discounted to $399, occasionally hitting that legendary $349 mark.
- Cellular Models: Add about $150 to the base price. Just remember you’ll need a data plan for that to actually do anything.
Apple Certified Refurbished
This is the "secret menu" of tech buying. Apple’s refurbished site is great because they give you a brand-new outer shell and a fresh battery.
- 64GB Refurbished: $249.
- 256GB Refurbished: $339.
These sell out fast. Like, "gone in ten minutes" fast. If you see one in stock in the color you want (Blue, Pink, Yellow, or Silver), you kinda just have to grab it.
The Used Market (Swappa, eBay, Back Market)
If you don't mind a few light scratches or a "pre-loved" vibe, you can save a ton.
- Good Condition Used: You can find 64GB units for roughly $230 to $260.
- Fair Condition: I’ve seen these dip near $200, but at that point, you're gambling on the battery health.
Is the 10th Gen Still Worth Buying in 2026?
It’s a fair question. The A14 Bionic chip inside this thing is getting a bit long in the tooth. It was first introduced with the iPhone 12, which feels like a lifetime ago in tech years.
But here is the reality: for 90% of people, it doesn't matter.
If you are just watching Netflix, scrolling through TikTok, or checking emails, you won't notice the difference between this and a $1,000 iPad Pro. The screen is 10.9 inches of "good enough." It’s bright, sharp, and colorful. The landscape front-facing camera is actually better for Zoom calls than some of the older "expensive" iPads because it’s finally on the long edge where it belongs.
The big deal-breaker for some is Apple Intelligence. If you want the new AI features Apple has been shouting about, the 10th-gen iPad is a no-go. It doesn't have the RAM or the NPU power to handle it. For that, you’d need at least an iPad mini (A17 Pro or later) or one of the M-series iPads.
Hidden Costs: The "Apple Tax"
When you ask how much is iPad 10th generation, you aren't just paying for the glass and aluminum. You're entering an ecosystem that wants more of your money.
- The Pencil Situation: This model supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil (1st Gen). Don't buy the 1st Gen one; it requires a weird adapter to charge. The USB-C version is usually around $69 to $79.
- The Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard Folio is great but expensive—retail is around $249. You can find third-party ones from Logitech for half that, which is what I’d recommend.
- The Case: Do not walk out of a store without a cover. A basic folio will run you $15 to $50 depending on the brand.
The Verdict on Value
If you find a 64GB iPad 10 for $299, it’s a solid deal. If you find a 256GB version for $349, it’s a steal.
🔗 Read more: Why You Still Struggle to Translate Haitian Creole to English (and How to Fix It)
Stop looking at the 11th-gen iPad if you're on a budget. The 11th-gen (2025) starts at $349 but gives you 128GB of base storage. While that sounds better, you can often get the 10th-gen with double that storage (256GB) for the same price on sale. For most students or casual users, more storage beats a slightly faster processor every single time.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Refurbished Store first. If Apple has the 256GB model for $339, buy it immediately. It’s the best value-for-money tablet on the market right now.
- Avoid 64GB if you plan to keep it 3+ years. System updates and apps are getting bloated. You’ll be constantly deleting photos by year two.
- Monitor price trackers. Use a site like CamelCamelCamel to see the price history on Amazon. If it’s currently $349, you're at the bottom of the curve—buy it. If it’s $449, wait a week. It’ll probably drop again.
- Skip the Cellular. Unless you’re a field researcher or someone who works in a car, just tether to your phone. You'll save $150 on the device and $15–$20 a month on your phone bill.