Best Buy's Fourth of July Sale Slashes Prices on Apple’s M3 iPad Air

Best Buy offers the 128 GB cellular M3 iPad Air for $499, a $250 markdown, making it $50 above the base 128 GB iPad ($449, up from $349). The discount applies to both Wi-Fi and 5G cellular models, with cellular prices often matching Wi-Fi versions.

The Verge

Apple’s recent price adjustments have raised iPad and related device costs by several hundred dollars, making the discounted M3 iPad Air a comparatively affordable option in the current lineup.

MacRumors

The M3 iPad Air uses a processor with more cores than the A16, supports Apple Intelligence and upcoming iPadOS 27, includes 8 GB RAM, a laminated antireflective display with a wider color gamut, and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility. The 2026 M4 iPad Air adds a faster chip, upgraded wireless radios, and 12 GB RAM, but its Wi-Fi model starts at $749 and the cellular model at $899, $250–$400 above the discounted M3.

The VergeMacRumors

• M3 iPad Air (128 GB, cellular): $499 (? $250 markdown)

MacRumors

• Base 128 GB iPad: $449 (up $100 from $349)

The Verge

• M4 iPad Air Wi-Fi: $749; cellular: $899

MacRumors

• Discount range: up to $400 off M3 models

MacRumors

• Memory: M3 = 8 GB; M4 = 12 GB

MacRumors

• Processor: M3 = more cores than A16; M4 = higher clock speed

MacRumors

Best Buy’s promotion confirms the Fourth of July event includes “up to $400 off” previous-generation M3 iPad Air tablets. Apple’s recent price revisions have raised iPad baseline costs, prompting retailers to highlight older models as cost-effective alternatives.

MacRumors

The discount makes the M3 iPad Air a lower-cost alternative to the M4, potentially shifting consumer purchases toward the older model.

MacRumors

The Verge lists the M4 iPad Air Wi-Fi at $749, while MacRumors mentions only the $899 cellular price, leaving the Wi-Fi price unaddressed in the latter source.

MacRumors

• “Best Buy's Fourth of July sale is currently running, and it features a big sale across Apple's previous generation M3 iPad Air tablets.” — MacRumors editorial

MacRumors

• “You can find up to $400 off these devices during the event, and they're particularly notable when compared to the recently increased prices of the 2026 M4 iPad Air.” — MacRumors editorial

MacRumors

• “In terms of specs, its M3 processor leaps ahead of the A16 with more cores, not to mention Apple Intelligence support (as well as support for iPadOS 27 coming later this year).” — The Verge analysis

The Verge

• “The main difference between the M3 and M4 iPad Air generations is faster chip speed with the M4 chip, and upgraded wireless technologies, but otherwise the tablets are similar.” — MacRumors editorial

MacRumors

Apple plans to release iPadOS 27 later in the year, adding new software capabilities to existing hardware. Consumers may encounter additional promotional periods as retailers respond to Apple’s revised pricing strategy.

The Verge