Walk into an Apple Store today and you’ll see a sea of glass and aluminum that looks remarkably similar. But your wallet will definitely tell the difference. Honestly, if you're asking how much is the new ipad, the answer isn't just a single number on a sticker. It’s a range that starts at a manageable $349 and spirals all the way up to a staggering $2,500 if you start clicking all the upgrade buttons.
Choosing the right one is kinda like buying a car. You don't buy a Ferrari to go to the grocery store. Same with iPads.
The Entry Level: iPad 11th Gen (2025)
This is the "everyone" iPad. Apple updated this one recently, and for the first time in a while, they actually gave us a decent amount of storage right out of the gate. You’re getting 128GB of space for $349.
It’s got the A16 Bionic chip. Fast? Yeah, plenty. It doesn't have the fancy "Apple Intelligence" AI stuff that the more expensive models have, but if you're just watching Netflix or scrolling through recipes, you won't care.
If you need more room for photos, the 256GB version jumps to $449. If you go all the way to 512GB, you’re looking at $649. Most people should stick to the base model. Seriously.
The Small One: iPad mini 7 (2024)
The iPad mini is a weird beast. It’s smaller than the entry-level iPad but costs more. Why? Because the tech inside is way better. It starts at $499.
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You get the A17 Pro chip. This is important because it’s the cheapest way to get an iPad that supports Apple’s new AI features. It’s basically a tiny iPad Air.
- 128GB (Wi-Fi): $499
- 256GB (Wi-Fi): $599
- 512GB (Wi-Fi): $799
If you want to add cellular (so you can use 5G without Wi-Fi), add another $150 to those prices. It’s the perfect size for reading or traveling, but that $500 starting price is a tough pill for some to swallow when the bigger iPad is $150 cheaper.
The Middle Child: iPad Air M3 (2025)
The iPad Air is currently the sweet spot for most people. It feels like the "Pro" model but doesn't cost a thousand dollars. Apple sells this in two sizes now, which changed the game for students and office workers who wanted a big screen without the Pro price tag.
The 11-inch Air starts at $599. The 13-inch Air starts at $799.
Both of these use the M3 chip. It’s powerful enough to edit 4K video or run high-end games without breaking a sweat. If you’re a student, check the education store—you can usually shave $50 off these prices and sometimes get a gift card.
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One thing to watch out for: storage upgrades. If you move from 128GB to 1TB on the 13-inch model, the price climbs to $1,299. At that point, you’re better off just buying the Pro.
The Professional Powerhouse: iPad Pro M5 (2025)
This is where things get expensive. The new M5 iPad Pro is, frankly, overkill for 95% of the population. But that screen? It’s the "Ultra Retina XDR" with tandem OLED technology. It is, without hyperbole, the best screen on any mobile device.
The 11-inch Pro starts at $999. The 13-inch Pro starts at $1,299.
These models start with 256GB of storage. If you’re a professional photographer or a video editor and you need 2TB of storage and the "Nano-texture" glass (which kills reflections), you are looking at nearly $2,600 once you add a cellular connection.
It's basically a laptop without a keyboard.
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The Hidden Costs: Accessories
Nobody just buys the tablet. You’re going to want the Apple Pencil. You’re going to want a keyboard.
The Apple Pencil Pro costs $129. It works with the new Pro, Air, and mini. If you have the base iPad, you’re stuck with the $79 USB-C Pencil or the older 1st-gen version.
Then there’s the Magic Keyboard. For the 13-inch Pro, it’s a whopping $349. That’s more than the cost of an entire entry-level iPad. For the Air, the keyboard is $299. It’s a lot of money, but it makes the iPad a much more useful tool.
Current Market Prices (January 2026)
Prices at the Apple Store are fixed, but if you look at Amazon or Best Buy, you can usually find "street prices" that are lower. As of right now, the 11-inch iPad (A16) is frequently on sale for $299. The iPad mini 7 is often $429.
It’s almost always worth checking a third-party retailer before buying directly from Apple.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re trying to decide which one to get, follow this simple logic:
- For Kids/Netflix: Get the iPad 11th Gen ($349). Don't overthink it.
- For Reading/Travel: The iPad mini 7 is the only choice. Look for it on sale for $429.
- For Students/Work: The 11-inch iPad Air M3 is the best value.
- For Artists/Pros: Go for the iPad Pro, but only if you really need the OLED screen or the M5 power.
Always check the Apple Refurbished Store too. They sell "like new" models with a full warranty and a fresh battery. You can often snag an older M2 iPad Pro for less than the price of a new iPad Air, which is a massive win for your bank account.