The best cheap iPad deals for May 2018

If you’re looking to pick up a cheap iPad deal, then you’ve come to the right place. While Apple itself rarely takes much, if anything, off its flagship iPad models, there are brilliant bargains to be had right now from retailers – and we've got the best iPad deals right here.

In fact, we’re working around the clock to dig out the best iPad deals from the most reputable retailers. From the iPad Pro (2017) to the new iPad 9.7 to the iPad mini 4, you'll find a wide range of devices in this round-up.

The best bargains, unsurprisingly, are to be found on older models – like the iPad Pro 12.9 (2016).

And if you're in the market for more creative hardware generally, don't miss the following articles: Best cheap laptop deals, Best monitors for creatives, The best Wacom tablet deals, 6 smartphone deals for designers, and our exclusive Adobe Creative Cloud deal.

Read on for the best iPad deals to be had right now...

01. iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) deals

Apple’s latest iPad Pro – available in 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch versions – confusingly sits alongside the older iPad Pro model of the same name. You can tell the difference from the specs: the 2017 iPad Pros sport an A10X processor, while the older one has the A9X chip.

Thanks to said A10X processor, both the 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro models are faster than the older version. They have an improved screen, with double the refresh rate – which means smoother graphics – and increased brightness. The front camera is also better, and the rear camera has a few more megapixels, too.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2017) is around £150 more expensive than the smaller 10.5-inch model. But with its larger screen, the 12.9-inch model is a solid investment for designers, illustrators and creatives. (Read our review of the iPad Pro 12.9.)

If you don’t mind the lower specs and want to save even more money, check out the best deals for the older iPad Pro further down the page.

02. iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) deals

At 10.5 inches, the smaller iPad Pro brings a brand new form factor to Apple’s stable of iPads.

However, in most areas – other than screen size and resolution – the 10.5-inch iPad Pro enjoys the same tech specs as the larger 12.9-inch model.

Like the 12.9, it sports Apple’s ProMotion feature – which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate – and the new screen is brighter as well. It also has the same A10X Fusion processor as the 12.9-inch version.

The iPad Pro 10.5 comes in silver, gold, Space Grey and Rose Gold.

03. New iPad 9.7 deals

Apple’s latest iPad, the new iPad 9.7 (2017) model, is a replacement for the iPad Air 2. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad Pro and Air 2 (and the same length and width) – but boasts an improved A9 chip with an M9 coprocessor for enhanced performance, and a higher battery capacity. It’s also unexpectedly cheaper than the Air 2, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants a larger iPad without the higher price point of the Pro.

04. iPad Pro 9.7 deals

More than an iPad Air 3 upgrade, the iPad Pro 9.7 instead combines the power and many pro features of the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro (including a Smart Connector port) with the thin frame of the iPad Air 2. It sports a vibrant, colour-accurate screen, impressive 12 MP camera and shoots 4k video. And while it isn’t a laptop replacement, it is the cheapest iPad Pro model out there right now (and considerably cheaper than the new iPad Pro 10.5-inch model above).

05. iPad Pro 12.9 (2016) deals

With the iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) model on sale around the world, the price has fallen for Apple’s impressive first iPad Pro model. It isn’t a MacBook Pro 2016 with a detachable screen – but it is monstrously powerful, and the huge, bright, stunning 12.9-inch screen is ideal for illustrators, artists and designers.

06. iPad Air 2 deals

Apple might have stopped selling the excellent iPad Air 2 (now that the iPad 9.7 is here) but there are still some fantastic deals to be had on the tablet, particularly refurbished models. The power, brighter screen, better design and upgraded OS make for a brilliant tablet even now, a few years later - and the price point gives much better value for money.