I've been tracking Black Friday iPad deals for five years - these are the tablets I'd buy this week

And we're off, things are looking particularly sweet right now, with record-low prices on a number of tablets. There are still a few models missing from the shelves - I'm keeping a close watch over those 13-inch iPad Pro prices and the smaller 11-inch 2024 iPad Air as well. The latter has seen costs dip to $499 in the US so far this month, but that flash sales went as quickly as it came.

Which iPad should you buy on Black Friday?

Apple currently has more iPad models on the shelves than ever before, with a massive roster of seven tablets up for grabs. Each device offers something slightly different, but I've been hands-on with all of them in one way or another.

The iPad 9th Generation is best for those after a simple streaming device. It's the tablet my non-techy friends use to catch up on Netflix, play a few games, browse the web, and take a few simple notes on. The weaker processor means it's not going to be a productivity powerhouse, but its Apple Pencil support does keep its options open.

The iPad 10th Generation is a larger version of Apple's base tablet, with a more colorful range on the shelves, a more powerful processor, and a slightly bigger screen. I've used a friend's for some lighter gaming and it does provide a slightly snappier response than the 9th Gen model. However, the real draw here is going to be note-taking and multi-tasking. If you want a tablet that can hold its own for student work, I'd recommend this over the previous generation.

The iPad Mini is the great divider. This pocket-sized tablet is much smaller than the rest of the clan, but can easily fit into a smaller bag and be held with one hand. That's exactly how it gets used in my parents' house - the smaller form factor makes it far more comfortable to use casually while browsing the web and playing games. It does support the Apple Pencil, but the smaller screen means that note-taking it still going to be limited.

The iPad Air is my personal sweet spot. It's got enough power to run more demanding apps without crashing or stuttering, but it's much cheaper than the Pro models. The new 13-inch version is a real, tangible size upgrade for those who do more design or content creation work, but if you're looking for a note-taking, drawing, streaming, and gaming device, the 11-inch serves just fine.

The iPad Pro is the daddy of all tablets. This behemoth comes stacked with enough power to take over your regular laptop while offering the best screen and storage options of the bunch. I've used nearly every Pro model in the past, and they've always impressed but this is very much a device for those running more demanding apps like Adobe, multi-tasking between them, and doing it all on a super crisp display.

Will there be any Apple Pencil deals this Black Friday?

The Apple Pencil has actually been looking pretty cheap in previous sales events this year. Prime Day returned us to a record-low $79 price on the second generation model in the summer, and the newer USB-C version has been jumping between $65 and $79 over the last few months. Things aren't looking great at the moment - we're still a way away from those kinds of savings. However, I see these discounts landing every year, and I'm not expecting 2024 to prove any different. This is certainly one to watch over the next few weeks.

Top Tip: Check refurbs

If you're after an even cheaper Black Friday iPad deal this holiday season, it's well worth checking in with refurbished offerings. Amazon's renewed service has the 9th Generation device available for just $149 right now - that's an extra $50 less than a new device. Amazon's full renewed standards keep everything running smoothly, with a full suite of inspection and testing processes in place.

iPad 9th Gen (Amazon Renewed, Excellent) | $306.99 $149 at Amazon

Speaking of renewed models...

This is my iPad, the 2020 iPad Air. I've been using it for years now, and it's still going strong. In fact, the only indication I have that it's an older device is the volume buttons have become a little tacky in their old age - everything under the hood still performs incredibly well. You won't find these models new on the shelves anymore, but Amazon's Renewed service is offering up a particularly tasty price on a refurbished (Excellent-grade) model.

iPad Air 2020 (64GB, Renewed) | $307 $289.39 at Amazon

Is the Magic Keyboard Case worth it?

Ah, the iPad Magic Keyboard Case. A keyboard cover that currently costs more than a whole ninth generation tablet, and only works with the most expensive of Apple tablets. The floating magnetic design seemed to have content creators in a vice grip in its early days, but now things are starting to slow. Discounts can drop those lofty numbers during Black Friday (the 11-inch model was down to $239 last year), but this is still a premium piece of tech all year round.

If you've invested in an iPad Pro with the intention of replacing your everyday laptop, it could well be worth a shot (providing your budget is there). While it's not great for using anywhere other than a desk (it's particularly top heavy so tends to fall over), it does turn the Pro into more of a laptop package. But so do countless other iPad keyboards... for far less cash.

Apple Magic Keyboard Case | $299 $224.99 at Amazon

Logitech Combo Touch | $229.99 $129.99 at Amazon

PSA: Best Buy is price matching Amazon

Best Buy is usually a stickler for MSRPs, but it's matching Amazon's record-low prices on both the 9th Gen and 10th Gen models pretty evenly right now. It's a little more hesitant in discounting the more premium tablets - only Plus members can take advantage of smaller savings right now, but if you're looking to collect your device in person, this is an excellent opportunity. Nobody likes waiting for shipping, after all.

iPad 9th Gen | $329.99 $199.99 at Best Buy

iPad 10th Gen | $349 $299 at Best Buy

iPad Mini 6 vs iPad Mini 7

The new iPad Mini 7 hit the shelves last month, and it's still holding onto its $479 MSRP. That's not surprising, the older generation Mini 6 is sitting right next to it, so discounts might muddy the pool a little. It's worth noting, though, that the older model is considerably cheaper right now, coming in at just $349.99. The A15 Bionic processor inside is weaker than the A17 in the new model on paper - but in practice, performance is looking to be about the same. You might get a slightly snappier app opening from the Mini 7 - or you could spend $130 less.

Here are the key differences between the two:

The iPad Mini 7 has more storage

The new range starts at 128GB, whereas the Mini 6 is available with 64GB, of storage space but moves all the way up to 512GB in total. If you're storing larger files, that might be worth the jump, especially as the Mini 6 taps out at 256GB.

The iPad Mini 7 supports WiFi 6E

That means you might get a faster internet connection on the newer device, though the jump isn't as significant as a WiFi 7 model.

The iPad Mini 7 has Apple AI

This is the big one. Apple is moving its Apple Intelligence program into more devices, with a new A17 Pro processor leading the way in the iPad Mini 7. At the moment, that doesn't mean much - but when iPad OS 18 comes along, you'll be able to take advantage of smarter writing features, AI image editing, and Siri upgrades.

The iPad Mini 7 supports Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro hit the shelves earlier in the year, bringing extra haptics and new squeeze controls to the stylus. The new model is fully compatible, whereas the Mini 6 is left with the cheaper USB-C option.

It looks like Amazon's removed its coupon on the 13-inch iPad Air

This time of year always produces some rocky pricing structures - and Amazon was previously relying on a $35 coupon to bring the iPad Air 13-inch down to a record-low $699. I'm not seeing this offer live anymore, though it was available very recently. It's well worth keeping a close eye on this one, though - I often see these kinds of early Black Friday iPad deals jumping on and off the shelves as we lead up to the main event.

iPad Air 13-inch M2 | $799 $735 at Amazon

PSA: Don't buy the iPad Air 11-inch yet

The latest 11-inch iPad Air is currently $50 off at Amazon, but that $549 sale price has sailed down to $499 previously this month. That discount was quickly removed from the shelves after just a couple of days, but I'm willing to bet it will return. This could be one for the big day itself, but I don't think we've seen the end of that full $100 saving just yet.

Aaaand the iPad Air 13-inch coupon is back - but only on the Blue model

Less than an hour ago, Amazon's $35 coupon on the 13-inch iPad Air disappeared from my screen - but I've just checked back through each colorway and found it hiding away under the blue model. That means you can once again secure yourself a 13-inch Air for its lowest price yet, provided of course you're happy with the ocean-esque colorway.

iPad Air (Blue) 13-inch | $799 $699 at Amazon

You can save $30 on an Apple Pencil when you buy an iPad Air or Pro from Best Buy - but should you?

Best Buy has a bundle deal going at the moment that secures you a $30 discount on the Apple Pencil Pro when you buy it with an iPad Air or Pro model. That sounds like a solid deal - the Pro stylus isn't on sale anywhere else at the moment, but I'd recommend holding off right now.

All the tablets featured in those bundles are at full price, and I'm willing to bet savings will equal more than $30 over the next few weeks of early Black Friday iPad deals. Even the 11-inch iPad Air is cheaper at Amazon right now, and is even primed to drop an extra $50 before the sale is out.

How to play Nintendo Switch on your iPad

There's one nifty gadget I love finding deals for every Black Friday, and it just so happens to span both my Nintendo Switch obsession and love for all things iPads. The Genki ShadowCast 2 can cast your handheld directly onto your iPad screen, allowing for quick and easily multiplayer sessions without the need for a TV.

The HDMI end plugs directly into your Switch dock, with a USB-C cable running to your iPad - plug it in, load up the Genki app, and you're away. It's technically a super cheap capture card, but I just use it to run games on a slightly-bigger screen. There is a little input lag (though it's been reduced considerably compared to the original model), but I can still easily play everything but the most reflex-intensive of platformers.

The ShadowCast 2 usually drops to $39.99 over Black Friday, but if you don't want to wait, Prime members can grab it for $44.99 - a $5 discount.

Genki ShadowCast 2 | $49.99 $44.99 for Prime members at Amazon

PSA: 9th Gen iPad stock might be slipping away from us

I've just spotted that the Space Gray version of the 9th generation iPad has run out of stock at Amazon, with the retailer now only listing second-hand devices. That's often an early indication that a deal is flying off the shelves - more popular colorways always show the bulk of that pressure first. I'd recommend jumping on the existing $199.99 sale price on the silver model sooner rather than later, as once stock is gone it's gone. I've seen previous Black Friday iPad deals run off the shelves before the event in past years, and they didn't always make it back in time for the big day.

iPad 9th Gen (Silver) | $329 $199.99 at Amazon

Amazon has run out of stock of this iPad Pro, but B&H Photo is still hanging on

The 512GB configuration of the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro is a little tricky to get your hands on at Amazon right now. Previously sat at a record-low $1,099 sale price, the flagship device has been swept off the shelves this week. However, I've just spotted B&H Photo picking up Bezos's slack, with the same record breaking discount still live on the black model.

iPad Pro 11-inch 512GB | $1,199 $1,099 at B&H Photo

The 9th Gen iPad is now out of stock at Amazon

Things are moving fast this morning, with the super cheap 9th Generation iPad dropping off Amazon's shelves. While the silver version was dropped yesterday afternoon, the space gray model is now only available second hand. Not all is lost, though, Best Buy is still holding firm on the $199.99 sale price, but with Amazon out of the race I'm not sure how long that availability will hold out.

iPad 9th Generation (64GB) | $329 $199.99 at Best Buy

The 10th Gen iPad is also running out of stock at Amazon

I've just checked through all the latest iPad stock and it looks like the 10th Generation model is also starting to slip off Amazon's shelves. The record-low $299 sale price is still available on the blue model, but the other three have jumped back up the scale this morning. The pink version is now up to $309, white is now $319, and yellow as moved all the way up to $331.

If you're considering the newer A14 Bionic iPad, I'd get moving on that blue device sooner rather than later.

iPad 10th Gen (Blue) | $349 $299.99 at Amazon

The ultimate iPad Mini 6 is at a record-low price

Want a turbo-charged iPad Mini, complete with 256GB of storage and a 5G cellular connection? The previous generation model is at a record-low price at Amazon right now, with $150 off the $799 MSRP. That's a lot of cash for the portable device, but if you have big plans for work on the go, this is a must see offer.

iPad Mini 6 (256GB, WiFi / Cellular) | $799 $649.99 at Amazon

Should you buy the iPad Air 13-inch this Black Friday

Apple released a larger 13-inch iPad Air for the first time this year, which means the Pro is no longer the top dog of screen sizes. That larger display is certainly impressive - and handy for split-screen multi-tasking, but it comes with its own drawbacks as well. If you're looking to save some cash over the Pro device, it's worth considering a few extra factors.

Buy it if:

✅ You don't need the power of the Pro
✅ You regularly use apps side by side
✅ You use your tablet for work
✅ You want to replace your laptop
✅ You do all your streaming from an iPad

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to use your tablet one-handed
❌ You need an easily portable device
❌ You'd prefer an OLED display
❌ You run heavily demanding apps

iPad Air deals are starting to look a little shaky

They were already sitting higher than I'd previously seen, but even the $559 sales price on the iPad Air is looking a little shaky today. While it's been down to $499 in the past, every colorway apart from blue has seen a price increase since yesterday. The purple model has jumped back up to $592, space gray is out of stock, and the starlight version is at $554.

How old is too old?

If you're eyeing up renewed iPad deals this Black Friday, it's worth making sure that you're not moving too far down the price scale and leaving yourself with a tablet that isn't supported by the latest iPad OS 18 updates. It's the best way to make sure you're still covered by various security updates moving forwards, while still enjoying the lower prices of older refurbished models. You'll find the oldest model in each line that still runs iPad OS 18 just below:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 3rd Generation (November 2018)

iPad Pro 11-inch: 1st Generation (October 2018)

iPad Air: 3rd Generation (March 2019)

iPad: 7th Generation (September 2019)

iPad Mini: 5th Generation (March 2019)

It turns out 7th Generation iPads aren't worth it

I took my own advice and hunted down some refurbished 7th Gen iPads, but it looks like the value still remains in new 9th Gen models. The cheapest I could find is this silver renewed model for $140 at Amazon. Considering you can pick up a brand new (much newer) device for just $50 more than that at Best Buy, it's worth holding off for now.

Want a super cheap stylus?

Not only is this budget third-party stylus on sale to $19.99 on Amazon's product page, but you can also grab a coupon for an additional 30% off. That brings the final cost down to just $13.99, fantastic considering official pens will run you at least $60. This is compatible with all iPads released after 2018 so newer models are all covered here, though you're not getting any of Apple's fancier features - this is purely a functional handwriting device. Still, it's reviewed particularly highly across verified Amazon purchases.

JAMJAKE iPad stylus | $29.99 $13.99 at Amazon (with coupon)

Save $10 on the USB-C Apple Pencil

If you're on the hunt for a USB-C Apple Pencil this Black Friday, Amazon already has a near record-low price. This $69 sales cost is just $5 away from the lowest price I've ever seen - perfect if you can't wait until the main event.

Apple Pencil USB-C | $79 $69 at Amazon

Now's the time to buy the 11-inch iPad Air

The 11-inch iPad Air has just dropped back down to its previous record-low price at Amazon, a $499 sales price I haven't seen for a couple of weeks now. This discount first appeared at the end of October, but unlike other early Black Friday iPad deals this year it quickly disappeared from the shelves soon after. This 2024 model has been $549 since then - a rate I warned against buying late last week. I've been waiting for this extra saving to come back into play and I'm not expecting prices to drop further this year.

iPad Air 11-inch M2 | $599 $499 at Amazon

The 10th Gen iPad has jumped back up the price scale

While previously sitting pretty at $299, the 10th Generation iPad has now shifted its numbers back up the price scale. Various colorways started to move away from this $300 position late last week, but some stood firm. It looks like demand has tipped over on every model now though, with the cheapest version (Pink) sitting at $309 at Amazon. Not only that, but Best Buy has actually gone all the way up to full price again after the weekend.

I would normally say sit tight and wait for those record-low sale prices to return to the shelves, but I'm less sure we'll see a return to $299 this time around. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen iPads going for more cash on Black Friday itself than they did in the lead up due to low stock. There's still two more weeks to play with, so I wouldn't dive into these higher prices just yet - but if you're concerned about numbers increasing even more, that $309 rate is only $10 higher than last week.

10th Gen iPad | $349 $309 at Amazon

The iPad Mini 6 is starting to buckle as well

I've just scouted through Amazon's supply of iPad Mini 6 deals, and some are starting to show signs of buckling under the pressure. While you'll still find that record-low $349.99 sale price on the starlight, pink, and purple models, the space gray design has run out of stock. I've seen that happen time and time again, even as recently as last week with the 10th Gen and 9th Gen versions. The most popular colorway is always a benchmark of how popular a deal is, and therefore how likely it is to run out of stock. Once that space gray runs off the shelves, it's only a matter of time before more colors follow.

Best Buy does still have the darker model up for grabs, but its $399.99 sales price is $50 more expensive than Amazon's.

My Best Buy Plus members can get a record-low price on the best iPad ever released

But it's still going to cost you. The 2TB 13-inch iPad Pro is Apple's top dog, a $2,299 tablet designed for the ultimate power user, with the full force of the M4 processor and a massive storage capacity. Unfortunately, stock isn't on our side with this one. Amazon has none on the shelves and Walmart only has a few left at around $100 off.

However, My Best Buy Plus members can secure an exclusive $200 discount on this model, dropping that lofty $2,299 MSRP down to an equally lofty but record-low $2,099 this week.

13-inch iPad Pro (2TB) | $2,299 $2,099 at Best Buy

PSA: Keep an eye out for Adobe deals

If you're planning on using your iPad for more creative means it's well worth keeping a close eye on Adobe's Creative Cloud packages this Black Friday. The services are usually heavily discounted around this time of year and it can make for an excellent saving on your new system as a whole. At the moment, you can save 50% on a year of the Creative Cloud package, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Acrobat Pro, and InDesign. That drops the monthly price from $59.99 to $29.98 or the full annual cost down to $329.74 from $659.88.

Adobe Creative Cloud | 50% off one year at Adobe

This iPad Pro is just $450

Renewed iPad Pro models are some of the best value on the market, especially if you time your purchase right. Black Friday iPad deals have hit Amazon's selection of refurbished devices today, with an extra $100 discount taking the 3rd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro down to just $449. While it's running an older processor you're still getting that larger display, making this a must-see for anyone after an iPad for streaming. It's also one of the last models to be included in iPad OS 18 so while you're not fully future-proofed you will be supported by the latest security updates.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen), 256GB - Renewed | $549 $449 at Amazon

The 9th Gen iPad is back in stock at Amazon

After running out of stock at the end of last week, the 9th Generation iPad is back on Amazon's shelves for its record-low $199.99 sales price. While the silver model is still out of commission, this is a promising sign that Amazon's supplies are being replenished in the lead up to Black Friday.

iPad 9th Gen | $329 $199.99 at Amazon

The 10th Gen iPad is back down to $299.99

It might have dipped off the shelves yesterday, but the 10th Generation iPad is now back down to $299.99 at Amazon. That's a relief, every model was above $300 for a moment there and Best Buy had put its prices up. We're not out of the woods yet, though. It's only the pink model seeing this return to a record-low price, so that offer could be dropped at any point.

iPad 10th Gen | $349 $299.99 at Amazon

And the 9th Gen is gone again

The older 9th Generation iPad is a yo-yo at the moment, flitting in and out of stock at Amazon almost by the hour. The silver version was available just yesterday but has since then snapped off the shelves in the last few hours. That means we're back to Best Buy, which thankfully still has the budget tablet on the shelves. I don't know how long the yellow-label's supplies are going to last, though, considering the competition I'm seeing in Amazon's aisles.

9th Gen iPad | $329.99 $199.99 at Best Buy

11-inch iPad Air models are starting to run off the shelves

Amazon's excellent $100 discount on the 11-inch iPad Air is a record-breaker, and it's certainly proving popular. I've just thumbed through all the colorways available and found that only the purple and blue models are still on the retailer's shelves. That means these tablets are moving fast, and with Best Buy still running them at full MSRP I'd recommend jumping on these offers sooner rather than later.

11-inch iPad Air | $599.99 $499.99 at Amazon

Is the M4 iPad Pro really worth it?

The iPad Pro has long been Apple's most powerful tablet, but the brand doubled down on its performance with the M4 version this year. I've tried it side by side with the sixth generation M2 model, though, and it doesn't show its face in everyday usage. If you're just going to be using your tablet for streaming, browsing the web, and reading the odd magazine you're not going to feel the benefits of that processing uptick, and shouldn't be looking at an iPad Pro at all.

Where the M4 CPU really comes into its own is gaming and demanding workflows. Yes, I can play high-end games on my older iPad Air, but they stutter, look a little tired, and sometimes crash when the load gets too high. On the M2 iPad Pro things are certainly a lot slicker, but there's just an extra slice of nippiness to the M4. That might not make much of a difference to everyday play across thumb tappers and farming sims now, but should more complex titles hit the app store or streaming services in the future, this is going to be the iPad to run them on.

As with every major jump in performance, it's not about what the M4 iPad Pro can do for you now - it's how much it will continue to be able to do when the software catches up to the hardware's potential.

Which Apple Pencil should you buy this Black Friday?

There are now four different Apple Pencil models on the market, double the amount compared to last year. To make matters more helpful, they're all compatible with different iPad models. If you want to use your tablet for handwritten notes or design, you'll need to make sure you're picking up the right model.

Apple Pencil Pro

The Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the latest iPad Pro, Air, and Mini models from 2024 (the M4 Pros, M2 Air, and A17 Pro Mini).

Apple Pencil USB-C

The USB-C Apple Pencil is a cheaper alternative to the second generation that uses magnetic charging, running instead off the port on your tablet. It's compatible with USB-C iPads, including all 11-inch iPad Pros, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd Generation up), the iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, the 10th generation iPad, and both the iPad Mini 6 and Mini 7. It's also compatible with all the latest 2024 models.

Apple Pencil 2nd Gen

The second generation Apple Pencil is compatible with all 11-inch iPad Pro models, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation up), the iPad Air 4th and 5th generation, and the iPad Mini 6.

Apple Pencil 1st Gen

The original Apple Pencil is only compatible with iPads that feature a lightning charging port. That's the first and second generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd generation iPad Air, base model iPads from the 6th generation up, and the iPad Mini 5th generation.

Apple Pencil prices are looking good, but I would still hold off a little longer

We're not quite at record-low standings for Apple Pencil deals just yet, with all four stylus models coming in slightly more expensive than they have done in the past. While the Pro and 1st Gen versions are only $10 away from their record lows, the second generation is still a massive $40 away. I'm expecting all of these prices to shuffle a little further south over the next few days, so I'd definitely keep an eye out.

Apple Pencil USB-C | $79 $69 at Amazon (record: $65)

Apple Pencil 1st Gen | $99 $79 at Amazon (record: $69)

Apple Pencil Pro | $129 $99 at Amazon (record: $89.99)

Apple Pencil 2nd Gen | $129 $118 at Amazon (record: $79)

Looking for more storage space?

The 512GB 11-inch iPad Air has also sailed down to a near record-low price at Amazon, with $100 off the $899 MSRP. That leaves us with a solid $799 rate - $300 cheaper than the 11-inch iPad Pro with the same storage capacity. This is only the third time I've seen such a low price on this model so far, even though it was $9 cheaper at the start of the month costs have been much closer to $850 for most of the year so far.

11-inch iPad Air (512GB) | $899 $799 at Amazon

Watch out, this renewed model is the same price as a new 9th Gen iPad

I've just come across a renewed 9th Gen iPad... going for the same price as a brand new device. Amazon has the tablet down to $199 right now, and while still-boxed tablets are currently out of stock at the retailer, they're still very much available at Best Buy. It's always worth checking renewed prices against current sales for this very reason - you're not getting much of a discount at all here.

Should you buy the 9th Gen iPad?

We're a two iPad household, and the humble 9th Gen model makes up half that battalion. This is still an excellent device in 2024, but it's not quite got the gaming chops of my iPad Air. Instead, this is a device most at home streaming, web-browsing, and taking the odd hand-written note. It's slower than the Air, yes, but I don't tend to notice that when I'm just looking for a show to watch or a movie to download for a journey. Its display doesn't quite have the same color pop as a newer model, but it still shines brightly offering excellent vibrancy and contrast. For $200, the 9th Gen iPad is an absolute steal this Black Friday - perfect for anyone looking for a big-screen extension.

Where is the iPad Pro?

I've been tracking Prime Day iPad deals closely for a few weeks now, and two models have been missing for at least the last week. The M4 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros are stepping back from the limelight at the moment. Previous discounts had around $100 off these models earlier in the year, and Best Buy had an exclusive $200 saving on higher-storage devices yesterday. But all that seems to be gone now. Stock is slim at Amazon, Walmart's savings have fizzled out, and Best Buy is back up to full price.

This isn't the first time I've seen iPad Pro deals fizzle out before Black Friday, but I'm hoping we're not getting a repeat of the previous sales here. I'm keeping an extra close eye out for any more discounts from here on out.

Good morning! A lot's happened overnight, but it looks like much of the same rumblings from yesterday's stock shenanigans. Both the 10th Gen and 9th Gen iPads are above their previous sale prices at Amazon, though Best Buy is still coming in clutch with a $199 sale price on the former. Meanwhile, the Space Gray and Starlight versions of the iPad Air remain out of stock, and the 13-inch Starlight Air has jumped back up in price as well.

Those numbers are looking particularly precarious now that we're just over a week away from Black Friday itself, so if you don't want to wait for the big day it's well worth keeping in touch over the next few days. I expect we'll see the return of all these record-low prices, it's just a case of waiting for the right time to strike.

The iPad Mini 7 just saw its first discount

The brand new iPad Mini 7 is now up to $50 off at Amazon, with the purple model coming in cheapest. I'm also seeing a range of discounts on other colorways, either via straight price cuts on the site or sneaky coupon discounts. That's the first time I've ever seen a saving on the latest release, so if you're gearing up for more AI features it's a must-see. Right now, every colorway is cheaper than its $499.99 MSRP at Amazon.

Purple | $499.99 $449.99 at Amazon

Space Gray | $499.99 $459 at Amazon

Blue | $499.99 $479 at Amazon

Starlight | $499.99 $489 at Amazon

This is one of the best things I ever bought for my iPad

An iPad screen protector is a must - but I mostly use my iPad for taking notes and hate the slippery feel of standard tempered glass sheets. That's why I picked up a matte screen protector a few years ago, and I've never looked back. This is definitely one for those who prioritize note-taking, it the vibrancy of your display does take a hit. I don't notice it so much when streaming anymore, and have actually come to prefer the lack of glare. If you're going for blockbuster movies it's best to avoid, but the feeling of writing of a paper-like device is unmatched in my eyes. I've been using the same protector for around four years now and it's still holding up nicely. I had to replace my Apple Pencil around two years into that timeline (thanks to a shark puppy attack), but haven't noticed any degradation around the tip in either of those two year stints.

Matte screen protectors | from $6.98 at Amazon

PSA: Best Buy is bundling free Apple subscriptions with its iPad deals

I always look out for these offers, as they can seal the deal in the race between Best Buy and Amazon. The yellow-label store is offering a range of free Apple subscriptions with the purchase of an iPad right now, whereas Amazon has zero bundles up for grabs. Prices are currently a little higher at Best Buy (on everything but the 9th Gen model), but it's definitely worth considering should those costs drop further. That totals $120.87 worth of free content, though the full memberships are only available to new subscribers. Returning subscribers can still benefit from these offers - I've come back to Apple Arcade and Apple TV+ subscriptions in similar offers in the past, dropping a month or so off the subscription time.

3 months Apple TV+ (worth $29.97)

3 months Apple Fitness+ (worth $29.97)

4 months Apple Arcade (worth $27.96)

3 months Apple Music (worth $32.97)

The 256GB 11-inch iPad Air is nearly at a record-low price

It's been tough to find solid prices on the 256GB version of the 11-inch iPad Air, but the Space Gray model has just dipped to within $4 of its lowest ever price. I'll take that - after all, each other colorway is still stuck over $600, with the Starlight and Purple models sitting at $644. Yes, this tablet has been cheaper in the past, but only by $4. That $595 rate appeared for just a day on November 5, before quickly shooting back up to $650.

11-inch iPad Air (256GB) | $699.99 $599 at Amazon

Apps to watch this Black Friday

Black Friday doesn't just mean discounts on tech, loads of developers jump on the bandwagon to drop prices on their apps. I've gathered all the biggest iPad names on the scene so you can check for discounts as and when they start dropping:

Procreate: $12.99 at Apple

Goodnotes 6: $9.99 per year at Apple

Photomator: $29.99 per year at Apple

Affinity Designer 2: $18.49 $9.29 at Affinity

This kid-friendly iPad case is now $13.49 for Prime members

ProCase is a well-known name in the world of iPad shells, and its kid-friendly bumper case is now down to just $13.49 at Amazon. The full offer is exclusive to Prime members, but if you're not a subscriber you can still grab the shockproof case for just $14.99. That's not too shabby considering it usually retailers for $19.99. This model fits the 9th Gen iPad model, but there's also a slightly more expensive version designed to fit the 10th Gen as well.

ProCase Kids Case | $19.99 $13.49 (with Prime) at Amazon

Does Apple do its own Black Friday deals?

Apple doesn't directly discount its own iPads and other products in-store or on its site, but it does regularly offer additional gift card savings. Last year, amounts ranged from $25 with the purchase of AirPods, an iPhone SE, Apple Pencil, or Apple TV, moving up to over $100 in gift cards when you bought an iPad or MacBook. I'm expecting something similar from the brand's site in 2024, but with last year's offers only landing on the big day itself this will be a waiting game.

The 10th Gen iPad just hit a new record-low price

Move over 9th Gen, there's a newer model in town. The latest 10th Generation iPad was already sitting pretty at $299.99 on Amazon's shelves (before it ran out of stock yesterday), but the retailer has just cut that price again. You'll now find the A14 Bionic tablet available for just $279 on the site - an extra $20 off the previous record-low. Considering this tablet has already been tough to find on these shelves, I expect this offer will move fast so I wouldn't waste any time getting stuck in.

iPad 10th Gen | $349 $279 at Amazon

Once again... the 9th Gen iPad is back off the shelves

I'm reporting everything I see, and Amazon's jittering stock levels have been making that a little repetitive over the last few days. But if you were looking to take advantage of speedy Prime membership and score a record-low price on the 9th Generation iPad, you'll have to wait a little longer. The $199.99 device was back on Amazon's shelves this morning but has already been snatched up.

I've found the iPad Pro!

Best Buy has finally dropped the price of the iPad Pro in its most recent Black Friday wave, offering $100 off the 11-inch model and $200 off the 13-inch model. These aren't just record-low prices, they're the best on the web so far, with Amazon still out of stock and Walmart trailing behind in its discounts. Now's the time to jump in on these devices - if previous stock concerns are anything to go by, things could get shaky with this weekend's uplift in competition.

iPad Pro 11-inch (256GB) | $999 $899 at Best Buy

iPad Pro 13-inch (256GB) | $1,299 $1,099 at Best Buy

I use this iPad case on my Air model - and I've never looked back

I love the slimline, matte feel of more recent iPad releases so I hated the thought of sticking a blocky case on my Air when I bought it at couple of years ago. Then I found this cheap magnetic folio. It clings onto the back of the tablet, wrapping around and even offering space for a charging Apple Pencil at the side. It makes the whole thing feel far less cumbersome, still protects the display and gives the corners a little extra buffer room. No, it's not as durable as a bumpered skin, but my iPad is either at my desk, on my bed, or in my backpack and there aren't any kids grabbing at it. If you're not too concerned about heavy durability, I'd easily recommend this early Black Friday deal.

ESR iPad Case | $15.99 $12.79 at Amazon

The 10th Gen iPad is now $249

A sneaky little Amazon coupon can actually score you a brand new record-low price on the 10th Generation iPad this weekend. With an already impressive $279 sale price on the site, I wasn't expecting any further savings on this newer tablet this Black Friday - but the page also has a $29.01 voucher live as well.

That brings the final price down to $249 - the same Black Friday rate as the 9th Gen model last year.

iPad 10th Generation | $349 $249.99 at Amazon