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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Buy did run the promotion described in the headline, but it was a time-limited holiday offer reported on December 16, 2024—not a current deal. MacRumors reported $70 off every listed 10th-generation iPad configuration, with prices starting at $279 and Christmas delivery shown for most models at that time. The offer did not require a My Best Buy membership. See the original report at MacRumors.
The December 16, 2024 deal at a glance
MacRumors reported that Best Buy reduced each listed 10th-generation iPad configuration by $70. The prices below are historical, pre-tax retail prices from that report and should not be treated as August 2026 or current Best Buy pricing.
| Configuration | Regular price | Reported sale price | Discount | Historical assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64GB Wi-Fi | $349 | $279 | $70 | Strong, second-best price at the time |
| 256GB Wi-Fi | $499 | $429 | $70 | Strong, second-best price at the time |
| 64GB cellular | $499 (calculated from the reported $70 discount) | $429 | $70 | Described as an all-time low at publication |
| 256GB cellular | $649 (calculated from the reported $70 discount) | $579 | $70 | Described as an all-time low at publication |
The source said the cellular prices applied across the available colors, while it did not provide a complete color-by-color inventory list for Wi-Fi models.
What “Christmas delivery” meant
The report said most models had guaranteed delivery before Christmas. That was a holiday-period fulfillment statement, not a universal promise for every color, storage option, ZIP code, or shipping method. Best Buy’s displayed arrival date could depend on:
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- 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.
- your ZIP code and the inventory location serving it;
- the selected color and storage configuration;
- the time the order was placed; and
- whether you selected shipping or store pickup.
A shopper in December 2024 needed to confirm the date shown at checkout. Because the report was published nine days before December 25, inventory and delivery estimates could change quickly. The promotion and its Christmas-delivery window have ended.
Was membership required?
No. According to the report, the $70 promotion was available to all customers and did not require My Best Buy membership. That does not mean separate member-only pricing, financing terms, or later Best Buy offers would have had the same conditions.
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.
Which configuration made sense?
64GB Wi-Fi
At $279, this was the lowest-cost entry point for home, school, browsing, streaming, and video calls. The trade-off was limited storage for large game libraries, downloaded video, extensive photo collections, or creative-app files.
256GB Wi-Fi
The reported $429 price was $150 more than the 64GB Wi-Fi model and provided four times the storage. It was the more practical choice for long-term or shared family use when the extra capacity justified the higher upfront cost.
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Rank #3
- 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.
64GB cellular
At $429, this added mobile connectivity for travel, commuting, or field work. Cellular hardware did not include a service plan in the reported price; recurring carrier charges could outweigh the $70 hardware saving over time.
256GB cellular
The $579 configuration combined the larger capacity with mobile connectivity. It was aimed at buyers who genuinely needed both, rather than users who were usually near Wi-Fi or could use a phone hotspot.
Rank #4
How good was the deal?
MacRumors characterized the Wi-Fi prices as strong historical discounts that were likely among the best available before the end of 2024. It described the $429 and $579 cellular prices as all-time lows at publication. “All-time low” here was a historical assessment of prices observed then, not a guarantee that no later promotion undercut them.
A low price did not remove the ordinary buying trade-offs of an older base-iPad design: 64GB can become restrictive, and newer or higher-tier iPads may offer a newer processor, more performance headroom, or a longer expected support horizon. Those considerations matter particularly for buyers planning many years of ownership.
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Best Value
- Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone - A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay - Stereo speakers
Who benefited most—and who should have waited?
- Best fit: holiday gift shoppers who needed a standard iPad before December 25, families wanting an affordable general-purpose tablet, and travelers who specifically needed cellular connectivity.
- Consider another model: buyers needing substantial storage, demanding multitasking or creative work, or the display and performance features associated with iPad Air or iPad Pro models.
- Consider Wi-Fi instead: anyone who normally uses the tablet at home, school, or work and can reliably use a phone hotspot when traveling.
- Consider waiting or buying newer: shoppers who did not need a holiday delivery deadline and could pay a modest premium for newer hardware.
Costs the headline did not include
The listed prices excluded sales tax, accessories, and any cellular data plan. Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories are optional rather than necessary for every owner; official information is available from Apple Pencil and Apple’s iPad keyboard pages. Cellular buyers should compare recurring plans from providers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Alternatives to evaluate today
For a current purchase, check Best Buy’s live iPad inventory and Apple’s current iPad lineup rather than relying on the 2024 prices. A newer base iPad may be preferable when its price is close. An iPad Air is better suited to demanding work, gaming, or longer-term performance needs, while refurbished or open-box units can reduce cost if warranty, battery condition, return policy, and seller reputation check out. Android tablets may cost less but are a different fit for people dependent on iPadOS apps or Apple accessory integration.
If affiliate links are used in coverage of this historical promotion, disclose the commercial relationship clearly; MacRumors identified itself as a Best Buy affiliate partner in the original report.
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.
