Best Time to Buy iPad

I am looking to buy a new iPad, primarily for school. What is the release cycle? Some think a new one will come out next month, would that be true? Also is it better paying extra for an iPad air?

Comments

  • +1

    https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

    Although the cycles are a bit unpredictable now due to supply chains/etc…

    I personally have found that due to Apple stuff being unpredictable in that way, and prices not really changing much over time other than very few sales, you're better off either buying at launch and enjoying it, waiting for the stock standard 10% off or so sale, or waiting for the new one to come out and finding a retailer trying to get rid of old stock. Every now and then there will be a pricing anomaly in sales which will usually come up on OzBargain but you need to be actively hunting for these.

    The only other thought is if you were planning to get a 4G/cellular model, sometimes you can get it cheaper through the telcos and their pricing structures for subsidised devices.

    • Really, cheaper through telcos? I will need to research that a bit more

      • +1

        Devices can definitely be cheaper through telcos, however you'd end up paying that much more for the data service so in the end you're not saving big $$$

        • +1

          Not if you cancel the plan straight away and just pay the device out, works out cheaper that way.

          • +1

            @WoodYouLikeSomeCash: this. I believe some people have posted deals on OzBargain with Optus and Voda where they calculated even if you cancel within one month, it's still cheaper.

          • @WoodYouLikeSomeCash: Truuuuuuuue, that option keeps slipping my mind. Thanks for reminding me!

            • @songsong: Is it legal to cancel the plan and buy outright? Never knew that

              • +1

                @Shaunf: Yes, like the others have mentioned, almost every Telco has shifted towards 'No lock-in' contracts where you can pay for the first month, then cancel and pay out the outstanding device balance.

                Always ask the salesperson directly before signing that contract though :)

  • Which iPad are you after?

    • I don't want to spend much if it doesn't warrant the spend. iPad seems to have the same chip as iPhone 7, iPad air seems to have a better silicon on it. A part of me thinks it is worth the extra $100+ given they have a long life if well looked after.

      So to rephrase the question

      iPad buy now or wait ?
      iPad Air buy now or wait ?

      • So……………which iPad?

        • Ok iPad

          • @Shaunf: You can buy a new iPad 32Gb for $499 now or 128Gb version for $659. From Apple. Now.

            The new iPad will be out later this year.

            Does that help?

            Only you know your criteria.

            You choose.

            • @oscargamer: Cheapest ipad has a10 chip. At least 2-3 gen behind

  • Depends on which Ipad!

  • Which ipad son?

  • +1

    If you can wait Black Friday sales can include discounts in Apple stores. Bought mine then.

  • +1

    ipad air if you are using it for multimedia. For school works just stick with basic ipad with pencil support and get a decent case with keyboard so you’d get the most out of it.

    Try a Telstra plan with about 10GB data. When you add up the total cost over 2 years it’s almost the price of the iPad (yes including the plan). In 2 years you can sell it and look into similar plan with iPad…

    If you need it now get it now, there is no point waiting too much specially with Apple isn’t known to discount things much.

    • You can cancel iPad plans whenever you want with no penalty other than paying off the rest of the iPad and the rest of whatever billing month you're in, which is nice.

  • Best time is when they are new. The next iPad Air update is maybe going to have more of an iPad Pro look to it, if easily faked Chinese leaks are to be believed. And the iPad Pro is in a different league to the current Air. In fact if you can find one cheap enough I'd buy an iPad Pro 11 inch.

  • +2

    My suggestion is start with what you want. I went with the iPad Pro 11” because I use it, a lot, and I like the extra screen real estate. I really hate big borders and the button. My real preference would be a pro version of the mini, but I think that ship has sailed. If you have Costco Membership they, usually, have some of the Apple range on discount.

    • +1

      I felt the same way, but that being said, I'm really happy with my 11" iPad Pro. Performance is great, screen is great, feels solid, sounds good, etc. Not sure if you can find one that cheap because the processor refresh didn't change much.

      • +1

        We were lucky because we got the “extra gift card value“ from a Domain promo which meant we got a reasonable discount on the iPad Pro. This is my main screen. I use my computer if I have any “heavy lifting” to do but the IPad goes everywhere, I just need to use the bigger bag. I got a cover that doubles as a stand. I’m using it right now.

        • +1

          The keyboard folio (not the magic keyboard) and a small bluetooth mouse really made it the perfect device for taking out. I went for a 4G model as it's great to have Google Docs/email everywhere I am without having to tether.

          • +1

            @jace88: I’m glad they decided to open up the USB-C, it means I can transfer things via a USB stick. I don’t have a keyboard; maybe next on the list. I “tether” and I haven’t found it too much of a hassle but having a massive navigation device is tempting.

            I find the phone too fiddly for entries in Ozbargain but the iPad is just right. From photo to upload to filling in posting :)

  • can someone help me with samsung tab s6?

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