The iPad has always been a fantastic tablet with its reasonable price, robust performance, dependable battery life, and spacious display. It becomes even more attractive during events like Cyber Monday. While there are numerous iPad promotions, opting for a discounted iPad Pro that still costs over $1,000 isn’t necessary. Choose Apple’s base model iPad for just $274 instead, and save the extra for future needs when the device is idle.

For further savings, check out our Best Cyber Monday Deals roundup.

### The Top iPad Offer

The iPad A16 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) debuted earlier this year and is the only Apple product lacking Apple Intelligence support. This could be advantageous as many AI features are not particularly useful at present. However, whispers suggest a 12th generation iPad might arrive in early 2026, possibly featuring Apple Intelligence. Aside from an upgrade in the processor, do not anticipate major modifications.

For individuals looking for a simple, large-screen tablet for viewing content, occasional work, and gaming, the iPad A16 fits the bill. It has sufficient power for most applications and games, and its 11-inch display is just right. The iPadOS 26 update introduced windowing functionalities, allowing the iPad to operate more like a Mac, featuring window resizing, split-screen capabilities, and Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 for enhanced multitasking.

Pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard for easy email composition or light tasks. While it can handle drawing, it’s restricted to the first-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C. The screen isn’t fully laminated, resulting in an air gap that can impede sketching.

For those specifically interested in using an iPad for drawing, it might be worth upgrading to the iPad Mini, Air, or iPad Pro. Thankfully, these models are also available on sale.