Buying a new tablet used to be simple. You’d walk into a store, point at the one you wanted, and drop a few hundred bucks. Now? It’s like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep moving. If you're asking how much is the latest ipad, the answer depends entirely on whether you want a portable Netflix machine or a professional-grade beast that costs more than a decent used car.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess right now. Apple’s 2026 lineup is scattered across different price points, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up overpaying for features you’ll never actually touch. I’ve spent the last week digging through current January 2026 retail listings and Apple’s own site to give you the actual, "out-the-door" numbers.
The Powerhouse: iPad Pro (M5 Chip)
The big news this year is the M5 iPad Pro. It’s thin. Scary thin. It’s basically a sheet of glass with a brain. But that brain costs a lot of money.
If you want the 11-inch iPad Pro, you’re looking at a starting price of $999. That gets you 256GB of storage, which sounds like enough until you start editing 4K video or downloading high-res games. If you want to go big with the 13-inch model, the entry price jumps to $1,299.
Keep in mind these are "base" prices. Apple loves its upsells.
Want the Nano-texture glass to stop the glare from your office window? That’s only available on the 1TB and 2TB models, and it pushes the price well north of $1,699. By the time you add a Magic Keyboard—which now costs roughly $349 for the 13-inch version—you’ve spent nearly two grand.
It’s an incredible piece of tech, but for most people, it's overkill. You're basically buying a Ferrari to go to the grocery store.
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The Sweet Spot: iPad Air (M3 Chip)
This is where I usually tell my friends to look. The iPad Air doesn't have the fancy OLED screen of the Pro, but it’s fast. Like, really fast.
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599.
The 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799.
In January 2026, we're seeing some decent sales on these. Places like Amazon and Best Buy have been shaving about $50 to $100 off these prices, especially on the 256GB models. If you can snag an 11-inch Air for under $550, you’ve done well. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, it has plenty of power for "Apple Intelligence" features, and it doesn't feel like a compromise.
The Small Wonder: iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro)
The iPad mini is a weird one. People who love it really love it. Apple updated it late last year with the A17 Pro chip, specifically so it could handle the new AI features.
Currently, the iPad mini 7 starts at $499.
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You’re paying a premium for the size here. It’s more expensive than the standard iPad because of that A17 chip and the laminated display. It’s perfect for reading or taking notes on the go, but it’s a niche device. If you don't specifically need a small screen, the 11-inch Air is arguably a better value for just a hundred dollars more.
The Everyman Choice: iPad 10th Gen
If you just want an iPad that works—YouTube for the kids, emails, some light browsing—this is it. Apple officially dropped the price on the iPad 10th Generation to $349.
But here is the secret: nobody should pay $349 for this.
Retailers are constantly moving these for **$299** or even $279 during holiday sales. It uses the A14 Bionic chip, which is getting a bit long in the tooth, but for basic tasks, it’s still snappy. Just don't expect it to be a powerhouse for heavy multitasking or pro-level creative work.
Hidden Costs and Trade-ins
When people ask how much is the latest ipad, they usually forget about the "Apple Tax." You aren't just buying the tablet.
- Apple Pencil Pro: $129. Necessary if you draw or take handwritten notes.
- Magic Keyboard: $299 - $349. Basically mandatory if you want to replace a laptop.
- AppleCare+: $79 - $199. Because one drop can ruin your month.
On the bright side, Apple adjusted its trade-in values this month. If you have an older iPad Pro, you can get up to $685 in credit. Even an old standard iPad might net you $170. It’s not a lot, but it takes the sting out of a $1,000 purchase.
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What You Should Actually Buy
Don't buy the Pro unless you are a professional artist or developer. You just don't need it. The M5 chip is a monster, but most apps can't even push it to its limit yet.
If you want the best balance of price and performance, get the 11-inch iPad Air with 256GB of storage. You’ll likely spend around $699 (or less on sale), and it will stay fast for the next five years.
If you're on a strict budget, wait for a sale on the 10th Gen iPad and grab it for $299. It’s the best "cheap" tablet on the market, hands down.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current inventory at your local Best Buy or Amazon page today; they often have "Open Box" M4 Pro models from last year for under $800, which is a massive steal compared to the new M5 prices. If you are trading in, use the Apple Support app to get a firm quote on your old device before heading to the store so you don't get lowballed.