So, you’re looking at a new tablet. Maybe your old one finally bit the dust, or maybe you're just tired of that cracked screen staring back at you. Honestly, trying to figure out how much new ipad models actually cost right now is a total headache because Apple’s lineup is, frankly, a bit of a mess.
You’ve got the Pro, the Air, the Mini, and the "just" iPad. They all look similar from across the room, but the price tags? They're miles apart.
If you walk into an Apple Store today—mid-January 2026—you’re going to see some wild numbers. We're talking anywhere from $329 for the basic model to over $2,000 if you go overkill on a Pro. It’s a lot. Let’s break down what’s actually happening with the prices and which one is secretly the best deal.
The Sticker Shock: iPad Pro (M5) Pricing
Apple just refreshed the high end. The new M5 iPad Pro is the king of the hill, and it costs like it.
If you want the 11-inch model, you’re starting at $999. That gets you the M5 chip, which is honestly faster than most people's laptops. But here is where they get you: that’s for the 256GB version. If you want the bigger 13-inch screen, the "entry" price jumps straight to $1,299.
When the Price Goes Nuts
The Pro is for people who do video editing or high-end illustration. If that’s you, you might look at the 1TB or 2TB models. Why? Because those are the only ones where you can add the Nano-texture glass. It’s this matte finish that kills reflections, but it’s a luxury.
A fully specced 13-inch M5 iPad Pro with 2TB of storage, cellular connectivity, and that fancy glass will run you about $2,299.
That’s not even including the keyboard.
The Magic Keyboard is another $349. Throw in an Apple Pencil Pro for $129, and you’ve just spent nearly three grand on a tablet. For most of us, that's just insane.
The Sweet Spot: iPad Air (M3)
Most people asking how much new ipad costs should probably be looking at the Air. It’s the "Goldilocks" model.
As of early 2026, the iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch. It uses the M3 chip. While it’s not the brand-new M5, let’s be real—you aren't going to notice the difference while scrolling Reddit or watching Netflix.
- 11-inch Air: Starts at $599.
- 13-inch Air: Starts at $799.
The 13-inch Air is a huge deal because it gives you that massive screen without the "Pro" tax. You’re saving $500 compared to the 13-inch Pro. You lose the OLED screen and the 120Hz ProMotion, which makes scrolling feel a bit less "buttery," but for $500? I’ll take the slightly less smooth scroll any day.
The Budget Reality: iPad 11th Gen and the 10th Gen
If you just want an iPad for the kids, for recipes in the kitchen, or for basic travel, don't overspend.
The current 11th-gen iPad (often called the A16 model) is sitting at $349 at Apple, but you can almost always find it for $319 or even $299 on Amazon or at Best Buy. It’s the workhorse.
Interestingly, the older 10th-gen iPad is still floating around as a refurbished or clearance option. You can sometimes snag those for $279.
The Storage Trap
The base $349 model now comes with 128GB. Finally. For years, Apple stuck us with 64GB, which filled up after three software updates and a couple of movies. 128GB is actually usable. If you want 256GB, expect to pay **$449**.
At that point, you’re getting close to iPad Air territory, and that’s exactly what Apple wants you to do. They call it "upselling." Don't fall for it unless you actually need the faster processor.
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What About the Tiny One? (iPad Mini 7)
The iPad Mini is a weird one. People who love it, love it.
The 7th-gen Mini (with the A17 Pro chip) starts at $499.
It’s small enough to hold in one hand but powerful enough to run Apple Intelligence features. It’s basically a shrunk-down Air. However, since it's a bit of a niche product, Apple doesn't discount it as often as the standard iPad. You’re likely paying that full $499 unless it's Black Friday.
Real World Cost Comparison
To make it easier to see how the money stacks up, here is the current 2026 "street price" (what you'll actually pay at checkout) for the base Wi-Fi models:
- iPad (11th Gen, 128GB): $329 - $349
- iPad Mini (7th Gen, 128GB): $499
- iPad Air (11-inch, M3, 128GB): $549 - $599
- iPad Air (13-inch, M3, 128GB): $799
- iPad Pro (11-inch, M5, 256GB): $949 - $999
- iPad Pro (13-inch, M5, 256GB): $1,199 - $1,299
Hidden Costs You Aren't Thinking About
When people ask how much new ipad is, they usually forget the "Apple Tax" on accessories.
Unless you just want to poke the screen with your finger, you’re going to spend more. The Apple Pencil Pro is $129. The "cheaper" USB-C Apple Pencil is $79, but it doesn't have pressure sensitivity, so artists will hate it.
Then there are the cases.
A basic Smart Folio from Apple is $79. You can get a knock-off on Amazon for $15 that does the exact same thing. Honestly, get the $15 one.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
We're in January 2026. Rumors are already swirling about a potential iPad 12th gen or an M4-based Air refresh coming in March or April.
If you are looking at the base iPad, you might want to wait eight weeks. If a new one drops, the price of the current $349 model will tank to $249 almost overnight in the clearance sections.
But if you need a Pro or an Air? Just go for it. Those M5 and M3 chips are so overpowered that they’ll stay fast until at least 2030.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Education Store: If you or anyone in your house is a student (or has a .edu email), go to the Apple Education Store. You can usually shave $50 to $100 off the price of an Air or Pro.
- Trade-In Your Old Tech: Apple’s trade-in values are "meh," but sites like Gazelle or even Best Buy’s trade-in program are giving decent credit for old M1 or M2 iPads right now.
- Refurbished is King: Check the Apple Certified Refurbished page. These are basically new devices with a fresh battery and a full 1-year warranty. You can often find an M2 iPad Pro for the price of a new Air.
- Skip the Cellular: Unless you're a field medic or a traveling salesperson, just use your phone's hotspot. You'll save $150 to $200 on the purchase price and another $15 a month on your data plan.