Deal status: This was a U.S. Best Buy Black Friday promotion reported on November 26, 2024—not a verified October 2026 offer. The deal took $100 off most listed Wi‑Fi M2 iPad Air configurations, starting at $499 for the 11-inch, 128GB model, and the report said no My Best Buy Plus or Total membership was required. MacRumors reported the promotion; its prices should be treated as historical.
Every Wi‑Fi configuration listed in the 2024 deal
The published table covered seven Wi‑Fi models. Each listed price was $100 below the price cited in the deal report.
| Size | Storage | Connectivity | Historical sale price | Reported savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi | $499 | $100 |
| 11-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi | $599 | $100 |
| 11-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi | $799 | $100 |
| 11-inch | 1TB | Wi‑Fi | $999 | $100 |
| 13-inch | 128GB | Wi‑Fi | $699 | $100 |
| 13-inch | 256GB | Wi‑Fi | $799 | $100 |
| 13-inch | 512GB | Wi‑Fi | $999 | $100 |
The article also said cellular versions were discounted, but it did not provide their prices. Apple lists a 13-inch 1TB M2 iPad Air configuration, yet the initial Best Buy deal table did not state a sale price for it. Therefore, “nearly every model” should not be read as a complete price list. See Apple’s specifications for the available capacities.
Which model was the best value?
Lowest price: 11-inch, 128GB Wi‑Fi
At $499, this was the budget entry point. It suits streaming, browsing, note-taking, documents and cloud-based work, particularly if you already use a laptop or phone hotspot.
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#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
Best general-purpose capacity: 11-inch, 256GB Wi‑Fi
For $599, the 256GB version offered more room for games, photos, downloaded video and offline files. Storage cannot be added later, making this the safer choice for several years of ownership.
Largest-screen value: 13-inch, 128GB Wi‑Fi
The $699 model bought a larger workspace rather than a faster processor. It was the practical choice for split-screen work, PDF markup, drawing and keyboard use when screen area mattered more than local storage.
When 512GB or 1TB made sense
Those capacities were aimed at large game libraries, extensive photo or video projects and buyers who prefer not to rely on cloud storage. The M2 chip was the same across the listed capacities, so the premium bought storage, not extra processing power.
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.
11-inch or 13-inch?
Both sizes used Apple’s M2 platform and were introduced in 2024. The 11-inch Wi‑Fi model weighed about 1.02 pounds, while the 13-inch Wi‑Fi model weighed about 1.36 pounds. Apple markets them as 11-inch and 13-inch displays; measured as standard rectangles, they are approximately 10.86 and 12.9 inches respectively. Apple’s technical specifications provide the dimensions and weights.
Recommended Free Tools
- Choose 11-inch for travel, reading, casual gaming, note-taking and the lowest purchase price.
- Choose 13-inch for a primary school or work display, multitasking, drawing and documents when the extra size and weight are acceptable.
What the 2024 M2 iPad Air included
The 2024 Air used the M2 chip and offered 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options in blue, purple, starlight and space gray. Features included USB‑C, Touch ID in the top button, a landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Magic Keyboard for iPad Air. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display was rated at 500 nits; the 13-inch version at 600 nits. Details are documented by Apple’s 2024 announcement and its specifications.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Wi‑Fi, cellular and accessory costs
Wi‑Fi models cost less and work well where home, school, office or phone-hotspot connectivity is available. Cellular models can help frequent travelers or field workers, but require a compatible carrier plan; the 2024 report did not provide enough cellular pricing to compare them.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard were compatible but sold separately. Include those purchases—and any cellular service—in the total budget rather than treating the tablet’s $100 reduction as the savings on a complete setup.
How strong was the discount?
MacRumors described the 11-inch and 13-inch 128GB prices as record lows at the time of its November 26, 2024 report. That wording does not establish an all-time low through 2026, and the promotion itself is expired. Current Best Buy inventory or pricing is not verified here.
The Bottom Line
The historical Best Buy offer was strongest for shoppers who wanted an M2 iPad Air at $499, a roomier 13-inch tablet at $699, or additional storage at a $100 reduction. The promotion required no Plus or Total membership according to the 2024 report, but it should not be presented as an active October 2026 deal.
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.
