Avoid Mistakes During Prime Day: Guide for Selecting the Best iPad and Timing Your Purchase
As the ecom editor on Creative Bloq, I'm here to help you snag the greatest tech deals, and that includes iPads – a beloved device among creatives. With my hands-on experience with the latest models, I want to ensure you avoid common mistakes when picking your iPad and finding the best price.
Before Amazon Prime Day kicks off from 8 to 11 July, let me spill the beans on what you might miss if you choose the wrong model or buy at the wrong time. Most folks typically think that 'Pro' means 'best' and end up overspending on an underused device, just like when it comes to MacBook deals during Prime Day. Don't be one of them!
Below, I've broken down the ideal user for each iPad, along with the current best prices. I've also tapped a financial guru to shed light on the best time to splurge on your new Apple tablet (he's the same genius who suggests that July is the ideal month for holiday shopping!).
- Peep the hottest Pre-Prime iPad deals
Find the right iPad for you
iPad (2025)
iPad (11-inch, A16, 2025): was US$349, now US$299 at Amazon - This economical iPad grab is a no-brainer. It's prized for being the most affordable option, an all-around solid device that's great for casual users, students, families, note-takers, seniors, and practically everyone else. I've been rocking this tablet for a month, and it's marvelous for sharing with my partner or using for easy entertainment like checking emails, watching YouTube, or even playing mobile games (my mom can't get enough of them). Unfortunately, it's not ideal for digital art, and the 11-inch screen might feel cramped when viewing movies.
iPad Air (2025)
iPad Air (13-inch, M3, 2025): was US$799, now US$699 at Amazon - I've been playing with the 13-inch iPad Air, and it's the perfect iPad for me (and probably most users). This bad boy offers a bigger screen compared to the 11-inch, yet it doesn't sacrifice portability. I adore its superior display quality, making media consumption a real treat, and it handles AA games like a boss. Artists, sketchers, or anyone who's dabbled in digital art might find this the only tablet they need. The downside? The price hike from the iPad model is substantial.
iPad Pro (2024)
iPad Pro (11-inch, M4, 2024): was US$999, now US$909 at Amazon - This baby is currently Apple's top-shelf tablet, boasting the M4 chip that's more than most users require. Hardcore digital artists and tech aficionados are the ideal candidates for this powerful piece of kit. I've tested this iPad Pro, and the Ultra Retina XDR Display is jaw-dropping for video content. It double-ups as a secondary laptop when you slap on the Magic Keyboard and works great for AA games. However, video editors might want to think twice about this commissioned marvel, as the apps still struggle to keep up with professional demands. So, unless you're a digital artist or serious gamer with a budget to spare, you can save your cash for other goodies during Prime Day.
When to score the best Prime Day iPad deals?
This year's four-day Amazon Prime Day event, starting July 8, is when the best iPad deals are expected to drop like rain[4]. But hold your horses – early Prime Day deals are already here with some fantastic discounts[1][2][3][5]. So, if you chance upon a juicy bargain before July 8, don't hesitate to grab it!
According to our financial expert, Fred Harrington from Proxy Coupons, the real magic happens towards the end of the event:
"The biggest myth about Prime Day is that the best deals arise at midnight on Day 1," says Fred. "In reality, retailers save their best offers until the stack of initial stock is depleted."
"Retailers often wait to see how the Amazon pricing plays out before unleashing their discounts," says Fred. "By days three and four, you'll witness price wars, with other major retailers like Best Buy or Waitrose attempting to muscle in on market share. That's when the genuine discounts emerge – not in the opening hours when everyone's scrambling to buy."
Take it from me, I've seen my fair share of Prime Days, and Fred's guidance is spot on. But I can't bank on this always being the case, so I'll keep you updated on the deals as they roll in.
Bottom line, I predict there'll be some hefty discounts on iPads during this year's Prime Day, and I almost guarantee the Apple tablet that'll suit most of you is the heavily discounted iPad Air.
- The 11-inch iPad (2025) is a fantastic choice for casual users, students, families, note-takers, seniors, and more due to its affordability and versatility, perfect for tasks like emailing, watching videos, or playing mobile games.
- The 13-inch iPad Air (2025) is an excellent option for most users, offering a larger screen without sacrificing portability, a superior display quality, and sufficient power for casual gaming or digital art.
- The iPad Pro (11-inch, M4, 2024) is ideal for hardcore digital artists and tech enthusiasts, with its powerful M4 chip, stunning Ultra Retina XDR Display, and compatibility with Magic Keyboard, making it great for gaming and as a secondary laptop.
- According to financial expert Fred Harrington from Proxy Coupons, the best Prime Day iPad deals occur towards the end of the event (days three and four) when retailers lower their prices to compete in the market and sell remaining stock. Early Prime Day deals are already available, but the most significant discounts are expected during the main event starting on July 8.
