If you’ve been on the market for a tablet — something to watch movies with, scroll social media or do a little work from the couch — we have great news: As part of ongoing Black Friday deals, the iPad Air is just $499 right now. That’s $100 off the base model in color Space Grey or Starlight.
You might be wondering what the difference between a smart phone, a desktop computer and an iPad are, and what exactly you might need from an Apple Tablet. We have you covered there, too. Check out our guide to the best iPad of 2024.
Amazon
With four colors and four levels of storage (128GB all the way up to 1TB) to choose from, not to mention Wi-Fi and cellular options, there’s an iPad Air for everyone.
$499 at Amazon
Why is this a good deal? 💰
Apple tech rarely goes on sale, so when the prices drop it’s worth taking a look, especially when, as is the case with the iPad Air, you can save $100. It’s the lowest price ever!
Why do I need this? 🤔
You might be thinking, “I’ve got a phone. I’ve got a laptop. Why do I need a tablet too?” This iPad is a sweet spot between the two, especially for anyone who wants a little more computing power and screen size than the regular iPad and iPad mini offer. Need a little more than the touchscreen and onscreen keyboard? It’s compatible with both the wireless Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (the first version), so writing and drawing are a breeze. Reading and watching videos on the iPad is much more enjoyable than on your phone as well.
“You know how a Corvette will get you where you’re going, fast and in style, the same way a Lamborghini will? That’s my take on the iPad Air, ” says Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida. “Ultimately, the Air makes a good choice for anyone seeking a pro-level iPad without the Pro’s price.” (The Pro, if you’re wondering, starts at $999 — ouch.)
The iPad Air is compatible with both the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. (Amazon)
What reviewers say 💬
Over 880 reviewers have given this sleek, powerful tablet a five-star rating.
Pros 👍
“I really like this iPad Air!” raved a happy customer. “It’s beautiful, lightweight and has plenty of storage and features! Since my M1 only had 64 GB, it was easy to fill up. But, with this new beauty, I can add as many apps as I wish!”
Other than storage, the ability to use the Apple Pencil is a big selling point, especially for digital artists. “I love to draw, so I mainly use it for Procreate. The battery life is great. I can draw [for] almost a whole day or two on one charge,” said a five-star reviewer. “The weight is incredible. It feels like nothing.”
Another reviewer said that while the iPad Air is often overlooked, it should be the go-to for most people. “Let’s face it, unless you are a video editor or use your iPad as your computer replacement, an M2 chip is way more powerful than what your average user uses their iPad for,” they said. “I mainly use it to consume entertainment, fire off iMessages with my friends, watch YouTube, surf the web or play a few games, and the iPad Air M2 does all of this seamlessly. And the 11-inch form factor is perfect when you are lying in bed or traveling.”
Cons 👎
While the iPad Air is more powerful than the regular iPad and the iPad mini, it still pales in comparison to the iPad Pro. “I have a 2019 iPad Pro 11 first-gen, so the specs are not impressive with the new iPad Air. First thing you notice: No Face ID support. No 120Hz display. Not as bright,” cautioned a four-star reviewer. “That’s a lot to cut from [a] five-year-newer unit. That being said, it is as snappy as it gets.”
Speaking of critiques, here’s what Broida had to say: “As for performance, the Air will more than satisfy the vast majority of users. Only if you’re capturing and editing a lot of video should you consider going Pro.” But he added, “If you already own an Apple Pencil 2, it won’t work here. For shame, Apple.” (The first-gen Apple Pencil is compatible, however.)
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Want a powerful tablet without paying the mind-boggling $1,000-plus smackeroos for an iPad Pro? The Air is a good bet, experts say.
$499 at Amazon
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Need (a lot) more storage? This 1TB version should do the trick, and right now, it’s $100 off.
$949 at Amazon
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Looking for more great Amazon tech deals? Check these out:
Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage here. Shop the best expert-picked Black Friday deals on and the best Black Friday Amazon deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. And find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
