Apple has raised prices across its iPad and MacBook lineup, but retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are still clearing pre-hike inventory — in some cases at record lows. That gap between the new Apple list price and what retailers are actually charging represents a genuine opportunity, but the deals are already disappearing.
The iPad Air M4 Is the Clearest Arbitrage
The starkest example is the iPad Air with Apple's M4 chip. Apple's new list price for the 128GB Wi-Fi model is $749, but Best Buy is still selling it at $519 — a $230 discount. Amazon sold out of its $519 stock after Prime Day, though the LTE version with 128GB storage remains available there at $699, which is $200 off Apple's new $899 asking price. The M4 Air packs 12GB of RAM, Apple Intelligence capabilities, Apple Pencil Pro support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6 — a meaningful upgrade over the entry-level iPad that makes the current discount particularly compelling for buyers who want longevity without paying Pro prices.
Entry-Level and Mini Buyers Have Options Too
Apple's entry-level iPad, the 2025 model powered by the A16 chip, is currently listed at $299 across Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy — against an Apple retail price of $449. At $150 off, it remains a capable tablet for streaming, light productivity, and casual gaming. The iPad Mini from 2024 — notable for its compact 8.3-inch form factor and Apple Pencil Pro support — is also on sale. Best Buy has the 128GB Wi-Fi version at $449, down from $599. Amazon is offering the 256GB Wi-Fi configuration at $499.99, compared to a $699 list price.
iPad Pro Discounts Reward Patient Buyers
The 2025 iPad Pro lineup, which Apple refreshed with the M5 processor alongside a dedicated N1 chip, sees meaningful cuts at Amazon. The 11-inch model with 256GB starts at $899 — $300 off the $1,199 list price — while the 512GB configuration is available at $1,099 against a $1,399 retail price. The Pro also starts with 12GB of RAM and supports Wi-Fi 7, making it Apple's most capable tablet to date.
The Position Is Simple: Act Now or Pay More
The argument for moving quickly is straightforward. Pre-hike retail inventory is finite, and as Amazon's sellout of the $519 iPad Air already demonstrates, the best prices go first. Apple's new pricing reflects where the market is settling; the current discounts are a function of supply chain timing, not sustained retailer generosity. For anyone who has been deliberating on an iPad purchase, the price-to-specification case today is better than what new retail pricing will offer once current stock clears.