Pick up Apple's newest iPad while it's on sale for a record-low price

Engadget - Apr 24th, 2025
Open on Engadget

The latest base model of Apple's A16 iPad, released earlier this year, has hit a record-low price, now available for $320, a $29 discount from its original price. The deal is currently accessible on the blue and yellow versions of the iPad. This entry-level model comes with 128GB of storage, 6GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers looking to handle basic tasks like streaming, reading, and emailing. Despite its modest hardware compared to the iPad Air, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability, highlighted by a positive review score of 84.

Although the latest A16 iPad doesn't feature Apple's generative AI integration, it provides solid build quality and approximately 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. However, users may face some limitations in terms of accessories, as the Apple Pencil requires a USB-C cable for charging and the Magic Keyboard support can be unstable on one's lap. Nonetheless, for anyone seeking an affordable tablet for casual entertainment and light productivity, this iPad presents a compelling choice. For more deals, readers can explore other Apple discounts or follow @EngadgetDeals for the latest buying advice.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of the A16 iPad's features, pricing, and performance, making it a useful resource for consumers considering a purchase. Its strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and relevance to public interest, particularly for budget-conscious buyers.

However, the article could improve in areas of transparency and source quality by providing explicit citations and more detailed explanations of its claims. While it is generally accurate, minor discrepancies in pricing details and the lack of in-depth exploration of broader issues limit its overall impact and engagement.

Overall, the article is a well-written and informative piece for readers interested in tech deals, but it could benefit from greater transparency and a more comprehensive exploration of related perspectives and issues.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate, with most of its claims corroborated by multiple external sources. The stated price drop to $320 for the A16 iPad is confirmed by several sources, though there is a minor discrepancy regarding the original MSRP, which varies slightly between $349 and $349.99. The specifications of the iPad, such as the 128GB storage and Wi-Fi 6, are also supported by other reports, although the RAM size of 6GB is not explicitly mentioned elsewhere but is likely accurate given Apple's recent upgrades.

The release timeline of 'earlier this year' aligns with the reported March 2025 release date. Performance claims about the A16 chip handling casual gaming and light photo editing are plausible but require benchmark testing for full verification. The article's claim that the iPad does not support Apple Intelligence is explicitly confirmed by other sources, ensuring accuracy in this aspect.

The article's assertion of a 10-hour battery life is consistent with Apple's historical claims, though not directly confirmed by external sources. The accessory limitations, particularly the charging method for the Apple Pencil, are not fully detailed in other sources and would benefit from hands-on verification. Overall, the article is factually accurate but could improve by providing more detailed source citations and addressing minor discrepancies.

7
Balance

The article maintains a generally balanced perspective, focusing on both the positive aspects and limitations of the A16 iPad. It highlights the affordability and adequate performance for basic tasks, catering to budget-conscious buyers. However, it does not overly glorify the product, acknowledging its limitations, such as accessory compatibility issues and the lack of support for Apple Intelligence.

While the article compares the A16 iPad to more expensive models like the iPad Air, it does not delve deeply into the specific advantages of the higher-end models, which could provide a more rounded perspective. Additionally, the article does not include consumer or expert opinions, which could offer a broader range of viewpoints.

Overall, the article presents a balanced view of the A16 iPad's capabilities and drawbacks, but it could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of alternative perspectives, particularly those of users or industry experts.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, making it easy for readers to understand the key points about the A16 iPad. The language is straightforward, and the information is presented in a logical order, starting with the price drop and specifications, followed by performance and accessory considerations.

The article effectively communicates the main advantages and disadvantages of the iPad, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of its features. However, it could benefit from more explicit explanations of technical terms, such as 'Wi-Fi 6' and 'Apple Intelligence,' to ensure all readers, regardless of their technical knowledge, can fully grasp the content.

Overall, the article is clear and accessible, with a logical flow of information. Minor improvements in explaining technical jargon could further enhance its clarity.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which makes it challenging to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. However, the claims made in the article align with information available from reputable tech news outlets, suggesting a reasonable level of source quality.

The lack of direct attribution or references to specific sources weakens the article's authority. Including citations from established tech reviewers or industry experts would enhance the article's credibility and provide readers with confidence in the information presented.

While the article appears to be based on accurate and reliable information, the absence of transparent sourcing limits the ability to fully evaluate the quality of the sources used.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the methodology used to evaluate the A16 iPad. It does not disclose where the information about the iPad's specifications, pricing, and performance originated from, which could help readers assess the reliability of the claims.

The article could improve its transparency by specifying the sources of its information, such as reviews, press releases, or interviews with experts. Additionally, explaining the basis for the performance and battery life claims would provide readers with a clearer understanding of how these conclusions were reached.

Overall, the article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology, which could be improved by including more explicit references and clarifying the basis for its assessments.

Sources

  1. https://www.laptopmag.com/deals/tablets/ipads/apples-new-ipad-11-with-a16-chip-hits-record-low-price-of-usd319-just-in-time-for-mothers-day
  2. https://macdailynews.com/2025/04/23/apples-new-ipad-11th-generation-drops-to-its-lowest-price-yet/
  3. https://www.cnet.com/deals/ipad-a16-record-low-price-amazon-deal/
  4. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/ipad-deals
  5. https://9to5toys.com/2025/04/22/apple-new-11-inch-ipad-a16-sale/