The $279 price was real, but it was a historical deal—not a price currently verified for a new iPad. On January 19, 2025, Amazon and Best Buy reportedly offered Apple’s 10th-generation iPad with 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi for $279, down $70 from the then-reported $349 price. The deal did not require a coupon or membership, but it applied only to that specific configuration.
The latest supplied Best Buy listing for the new 64GB Wi-Fi model showed $479.99, while a Best Buy sale result showed a refurbished 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model for $239.99. Those are not equivalent offers. Check the retailer page carefully before buying, because storage, connectivity, condition, seller and return terms can change the value substantially.
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What the $279 iPad deal included
The reported $279 offer was for:
- iPad 10th generation, introduced in 2022
- 64GB storage
- Wi-Fi only
- A new unit sold through Amazon or Best Buy
It was not the price for every 10th-generation iPad. The 256GB Wi-Fi model was reported at $429, while cellular configurations started at $429. The $70 saving was measured against the reported $349 price at the time. MacRumors reported the deal on January 19, 2025, and described it as a limited promotion rather than a permanent price.
Do not assume a listing is the same deal merely because it says “iPad 10th Gen” or shows a price near $279. Confirm the exact storage capacity, Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, condition and seller.
#1 Best Overall
- Striking 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - Go far with all-day battery life
- A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU - Wi-Fi 6 and 5G cellular models available
- 12MP Ultra Wide back camera - Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- iPadOS 16 makes your iPad even more capable with powerful new productivity and collab features
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Works with Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Magic Keyboard Folio
Is the $279 price still available?
The supplied retailer evidence does not verify a live $279 price for a new 64GB Wi-Fi iPad. The surfaced Best Buy product page listed that model at $479.99. A Best Buy sale search showed a Geek Squad Certified Refurbished 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model at $239.99, but refurbished cellular inventory is a different product from a new Wi-Fi model.
Some July 2026 deal coverage also mentioned a $279 price, but that does not establish that the offer remained available later. Amazon’s exact current listing, seller and price were not reliably verified in the supplied evidence, so no Amazon product link or live price should be assumed.
Before checkout, verify:
- Whether the iPad is new or refurbished.
- Whether it has 64GB or 256GB of storage.
- Whether it is Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- Who sells and ships it.
- Whether the price requires a coupon, membership, trade-in, financing or bundle.
- Shipping, pickup, taxes and the return policy.
For the historical specifications, see MacRumors’ deal report. For the hardware details, consult Apple’s technical specifications.
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The tablet has a 10.86-inch Liquid Retina display measured diagonally as a rectangle, with a 2360-by-1640 resolution, 264 pixels per inch, 500 nits of brightness and True Tone. It uses Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, with a six-core CPU, four-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Other notable features include:
- USB-C charging and data port
- Touch ID built into the top button
- 12MP rear camera
- Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- Apple’s claimed battery life of up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or video playback
Apple lists a one-meter USB-C charge cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box. The Apple Pencil, keyboard, protective case, screen protector and other accessories cost extra.
Is 64GB enough?
64GB is workable for light use, but it is the main compromise behind the low price. It can accommodate web browsing, streaming, email, messaging, school apps, casual games, occasional downloads and basic document work.
It is a poor fit for a large game library, extensive offline video or music, substantial photo and video storage, creative-app libraries or a tablet shared by several family members. iPadOS and preinstalled software also consume some of the advertised capacity, so usable space is lower than 64GB.
If you plan to keep the tablet for many years, regularly download media or use apps such as Procreate heavily, consider a higher-capacity or newer model instead. Cloud storage can reduce pressure on the iPad, but it does not replace local space for offline content and large applications.
Rank #3
How capable is the A14 Bionic?
The A14 remains suitable for browsing, streaming, video calls, school and office apps, casual games and basic photo editing. It is not the performance leader among current iPads, however. Newer base iPads and iPad Air models use newer processors, and the 10th-generation model should not be treated as equivalent to current A16 or M-series hardware.
For a child, student, streaming user or household tablet, the A14 is generally more important as a source of adequate everyday performance than as a reason to buy this model at any price. If a newer base iPad is only slightly more expensive—or includes substantially more storage—it may offer better long-term value.
The compromises to understand
- Restrictive storage: 64GB can fill quickly with games, downloads and photos.
- Older processor: The A14 is capable but behind newer iPad chips.
- Non-laminated display: The screen does not have the fully laminated construction found on iPad Air models, and it lacks ProMotion high-refresh-rate technology.
- Slow wired transfers: The USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds of up to 480Mb/s.
- Pencil inconvenience: The first-generation Apple Pencil works with an adapter for pairing and charging. Apple also lists compatibility with the Apple Pencil USB-C.
- Touch ID only: There is no Face ID.
- Accessory costs: A case, Pencil or keyboard can materially increase the total purchase price.
These specifications are documented in Apple’s official support page.
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Who should buy it at $279?
A confirmed new 64GB Wi-Fi model at $279 would still be appealing for:
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
- Families seeking an inexpensive iPad for entertainment
- Students with modest storage needs
- Children who need access to iPad apps
- Travelers who mainly stream rather than store media
- Buyers already invested in Apple services and accessories
- Anyone who values iPadOS and Apple’s tablet app ecosystem
At that price, the large display, USB-C port and straightforward software experience make it a strong entry-level Apple tablet—as long as 64GB is sufficient.
Who should skip it?
Look elsewhere if you need substantial local storage, demanding multitasking, professional creative performance, a keyboard-centered laptop replacement or the longest possible support life from a newly purchased tablet. Heavy gamers and creators are particularly likely to outgrow 64GB.
Also skip the deal if the supposed $279 price applies only to a refurbished or marketplace listing, or if a newer base iPad with more storage is available for roughly $20 to $50 more. That comparison must be made using live prices, because promotions and inventory change.
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A certified refurbished 10th-generation iPad can make sense below $279, but compare it with the historical new deal rather than treating every low price as equivalent. Check:
Best Value
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
- Battery-health guarantees
- Cosmetic grade
- Warranty length
- Included charger and accessories
- Return period
- Wi-Fi versus cellular connectivity
- Seller identity and activation-lock status
The surfaced Best Buy result showed a refurbished 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model at $239.99. Its condition, warranty and configuration should be confirmed on the individual product page. The unusually large comparison saving shown in a search result should not be treated as a reliable measure of market value.
Apple has also listed refurbished 10th-generation iPads, including a 64GB Wi-Fi model, through its Certified Refurbished store. Compare the live price, availability, warranty and packaging with retailer-refurbished inventory.
Do not forget the total cost
The tablet’s headline price is not necessarily the cost of ownership. Budget for a protective case, screen protector and possibly a Pencil, keyboard case, USB-C hub or additional charging cable. If the iPad is bought for school or work, a keyboard can make the purchase substantially more expensive.
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How to judge the deal
| Verified price and condition | Verdict |
|---|---|
| $279, new, 64GB Wi-Fi | Strong budget deal if 64GB meets your needs. |
| $300–$350, new, 64GB Wi-Fi | Compare carefully with a newer base iPad and its storage. |
| Below $250, refurbished | Potentially attractive, but inspect warranty, battery, seller and return terms. |
| Near $480, new, 64GB Wi-Fi | Generally poor value unless there is a specific reason to choose this older model. |
The 10th-generation iPad is worth buying for its low price—not because it is the newest iPad. The deal is compelling only when the configuration is correct, the unit is genuinely new or clearly documented as refurbished, and the price is close to the historical $279 offer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
