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The Verge
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Verge
The best iPad deals you can get right now
Apple's latest iPad Pro is available in the 11-inch configuration starting at $899, while the 13-inch model can be had for $1,185. | Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge While the best iPad deals usually land during major sale events like Black Friday and Prime Day, many great iPad deals are available outside of those times. The day-to-day discounts come and go like changing winds, so there's often some amount to be saved, particularly on Apple's most affordable iPad. The most recent iPad Pro and iPad Mini are also regularly discounted, as is the latest iPad Air. The best iPad (2025) dealsThe best iPad Mini (2024) dealsThe best iPad Air (2025) dealsThe best iPad Pro (2024) deals It's difficult to know where exactly you can find the most notable iPad deals unless you're scouring the major retailers on a daily basis. But that's often what our deal hunters at The Verge are doing, so let us help you out. Below, we've listed the best deals you can get on each iPad model that is available, from the 11th-gen entry-level iPad to the more powerful models with M3 and M4 chips, all of which are set to receive Apple's iPadOS 26 update when it arrives in the fall. The best iPad (2025) deals Apple iPad (11th-gen) Where to Buy: $349 $299 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $349 $299 at Walmart (128GB, Wi-Fi) $449 $399 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) Apple's 11th-gen iPad landed on the scene in March 2025. The newest base model tablet is a fairly iterative update of the prior model, but with 128GB of base storage (as opposed to 64GB) and the A16 Bionic chip, which is nearly 30 percent faster than the A14 chip used in the 10th-gen iPad. That being said, the newer chip doesn't support the various Apple Intelligence features introduced in iPadOS 18.1 and subsequent updates. For that, you'll want to opt for a more recent iPad Air, iPad Mini, or iPad Pro model. Pricing-wise, the new iPad starts at $349 with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage. You can also upgrade to 256GB or 512GB of storage for an additional $100 or $200, respectively, or purchase an LTE model starting at $499. We haven't seen significant price drops yet, although the entry-level model is currently on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Target starting at $299 ($50 off). Alternatively, you can purchase the 256GB model at Amazon, Walmart, and Target starting at $399 ($50 off), or the 512GB variant at Amazon and Walmart starting at $595 ($54 off). The best iPad Mini (2024) deals Apple iPad Mini (2024) Where to Buy: $499 $474 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $599 $589 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $799 $699 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi) The seventh-gen iPad Mini is similar in several ways to the previous model, but comes with some big internal upgrades. It includes faster Wi-Fi and USB-C speeds, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and a newer A17 Pro processor with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence. Otherwise, it boasts nearly identical specs and features as the last-gen model, meaning it has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and options for 5G. It may not be worth upgrading if you already own a sixth-gen Mini, but newcomers to the category will appreciate the upgrades. The 2024 iPad Mini starts at $499 with 128GB of storage, which was the price for the previous generation's 64GB model. Electing for 256GB of storage brings the price up to $599, and the cellular models start at $649. These are some big numbers for a small iPad, so the larger iPad Air might be worth considering if you prefer your dollar to go further with more screen real estate. But if you want an Apple tablet in the smallest possible form factor, this is where the action is. Right now, the 128GB base model with Wi-Fi is on sale at Amazon starting at $474 ($25 off). We saw the price drop to $379 for this model over Prime Day, highlighting just how much you can save during big events. You can also pick up the 256GB variant at Amazon for $589 ($10 off), or the 512GB model at Amazon for $699 ($100 off). The best iPad Air (2025) deals 11-inch iPad Air M3 Where to Buy: $599 $549 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $699 $638.41 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $899 $818.25 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi)13-inch iPad Air M3 Where to Buy: $799 $730 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $899 $820 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $1099 $999 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi) The 2025 iPad Air is little more than a spec bump over the previous model, with a few technical upgrades that should allow it to last longer into the future than either the entry-level iPad or the last-gen Air. It features an M3 chip with support for Apple Intelligence, plus compatibility with Apple's latest Magic Keyboard that has a larger trackpad and an extra row of function keys. In short, the Air is a credible laptop replacement. The 11-inch model starts at $599 and the 13-inch variant $799 — the same price as prior models — but it's common to see discounts from third-party retailers. Right now, for instance, the 11-inch Air is on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo in its base configuration with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $549 ($50 off). You can also grab the 256GB model at Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo starting at $639 ($60 off), or the step-up 512GB model at Amazon starting at $818 ($81 off). The larger 13-inch model, meanwhile, is on sale at Amazon and Walmart with 128GB of storage starting at $730 ($70 off). You can also pick up the Wi-Fi / 256GB model at Amazon and Walmart starting at $820 ($79 off), or the 512GB variant at Amazon for $999 ($100 off). The best iPad Pro (2024) deals 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (2024) Where to Buy: $999 $899 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $1199 $1103 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi) $1599 $1457 at Amazon (1TB, Wi-Fi)13-inch iPad Pro M4 Where to Buy: $1299 $1185 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $1499 $1367 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi) $2299 $2099 at Amazon (2TB, Wi-Fi) The 2024 iPad Pro is a far more impressive upgrade than the latest iPad Air. The 11- and 13-inch models start at $999 and $1,299, respectively, and they were the first Apple devices to feature the company's latest M4 chip, which brings moderate performance gains and dedicated hardware for on-device Apple Intelligence processing. The new Pro models can claim other firsts, too, such as being the first iPad models with OLED displays and the lightest Pros yet, which is true of both sizes. They also feature repositioned front-facing cameras that sit along the horizontal edge (also found in the 11th-gen iPad), which prevent you from looking as though you're staring off into space on a video call. As for deals, the 11-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi / 256GB of storage is currently on sale at Amazon and B&H Photo starting at $899.99 ($100 off). The sleek and super-thin 13-inch model, meanwhile, is on sale in its 256GB base configuration at Amazon starting at $1,185 ($114 off), or in its 512GB configuration at Amazon starting at $1,366 ($133 off). Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo also have the 2TB model for $2,099 ($200 off) if you're looking for the most storage possible to hold your apps, photos, and videos. Update, July 16th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability, and mentioned that the 10th-gen iPad is no longer readily available to purchase. Brandon Russell also contributed to this post.
The Verge
15-05-2025
- The Verge
Sony WH-1000XM6 hands-on: back to the fold
Sony's WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones have arrived three years after their popular predecessors. That's a longer gap than usual for the lineup, but don't expect any earth-shattering changes. Whereas the 1000XM4 to 1000XM5 upgrade brought a significant design overhaul, this time Sony is mostly focusing on sound, noise cancellation, and quality-of-life hardware refinements, rather than messing with the visual style. The 1000XM6 are an amalgamation of the best traits from Sony's past models and should be the best of the series. But they're also the most expensive. Sony has raised the price to $449, a $50 jump compared to the prior model and $20 more than Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. That's a lot of money for headphones that are unabashedly plastic. Apple's AirPods Max have a design befitting of their price, even if they're overly heavy as a result. But much like Bose, Sony sticks to a different game plan by prioritizing long-term comfort for frequent flyers, commuters, and anyone who needs to dial down the outside world for a few hours. The 1000XM6 borrow most of their DNA from the 1000XM5 with one extremely welcome change: they can fold up again. Sony added a joint to each arm that lets the headphones collapse down and take up less room in their carrying case; similar joints were found on earlier models but were absent on the 1000XM5. I'm already leery about how robust these hinges will prove over several months or a year; Sony has a mixed track record there, so stay tuned. But the return of folding means the case is noticeably smaller than last time, and Sony has also completely ditched the zipper for a magnetic clasp. I've really come to love this tweak. It's possible to close the case and lock the clasp with just one hand, which you're obviously not going to pull off with a zipper. And the fabric case is designed in such a way that it remains tightly shut even at the far ends away from the clasp. Well done, Sony. There's a 'right way' to position the headphones when putting them in, which takes a beat to memorize, but it's a vastly better situation for headphones you're meant to tote everywhere. Sony has made several other smart revisions: the headband is wider and puts less pressure on the top of your noggin. Both pleather ear cups are removable (though it takes a good tug) and easy to clip back in should you need replacements. The power button is now round, so you can quickly distinguish it from the ANC button just by feel. And for the first time in the 1000X lineup — don't ask me how it took this long — you can charge the headphones and listen to them at the same time. But it's not the approach I would've preferred. Bafflingly, Sony still doesn't support audio over USB-C with these $450 headphones, so you have to use two cables in this scenario — USB-C for charging and the 3.5mm jack for your music. Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge Those are the functional differences, but Sony also upgraded its silicon this time around. The 1000XM6 use the company's latest noise-cancellation chip, which produces class-leading ANC that surpasses the 1000XM5 and, according to Sony's claims, all competitors on the market today. If you were already impressed by how well the 1000XM5 dialed down the outside world, hearing that these do an even better job might push you toward upgrading. (The transparency mode on the 1000XM6 remains natural-sounding, and you can still temporarily activate it by covering the right ear cup with a hand.) Sony says its latest headphones outshine all previous 1000X models in sound quality. This can be attributed to two factors: first, the company says it consulted audio engineers at Sony's various music studios for input on tuning the headphones. And second, the 1000XM6 includes new drivers that output clearer vocals and richer details. I haven't spent enough time with them to reach a full verdict, but these still sound every bit like Sony headphones. They're dynamic, lively, and don't shy away from bass. If the default sound profile isn't your jam, Sony gives you a 10-band EQ for customizing the sound, and I'm sure owners will be comparing their favorite settings on Reddit and elsewhere. The AirPods Max still have a wider soundstage to my ears and win out on overall clarity, but I don't think Sony fans will be disappointed. Multipoint Bluetooth and Sony's signature LDAC codec remain present. This being Sony, there are always some gimmicks tossed in, and with the 1000XM6, the gimmick is spatial audio upmixing. Inside the Sound Connect app, you'll find new options for simulating a room, coffee shop, or movie theater — with each effect adjusting the 'immersion' and ambiance of stereo content with virtualized fakery. These are all terrible. I mean, bad bad. They're easily the low point of the 1000XM6 but are easy to completely ignore or try once and never again. It's starting to feel as though Sony has run out of ideas for competing with the ecosystem advantages that Apple, Google, and Samsung can offer. As for voice calls, the company says it's using AI beamforming to better isolate your speech from the surrounding environment. And Sony's also throwing more microphones at the problem: the 1000XM6 use six mics for voice pickup compared to four last time. (There are 12 in total, with the others dedicated to noise cancellation.) I'm sure you'll soon be able to find all sorts of mic tests around YouTube to gauge any improvements for yourself. Battery life is one area that's completely unchanged from the 1000XM5. You'll still get up to 30 hours with ANC on or 40 with it off. Sony's 1000XM6 headphones don't come with another head-turning visual makeover, but they wisely bring back a folding design while improving comfort, noise cancellation, sound fidelity, and small touches like the physical controls. Their higher-than-ever price might push Sony loyalists to explore what else is out there, and 1000XM5 owners shouldn't feel any rush to spend the $450. But if your older Sony earbuds are on their last legs, these could be worth saving up for.
