Amazon Discounts iPad Mini to Pre-Price-Hike Levels Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

Key points

• The 128GB Wi-Fi iPad Mini is currently $499, down from $599, while the 256GB Wi-Fi model is $599 and the 128GB cellular model is $649.
• This $100 discount represents the lowest price for the device since late June 2026, when Apple raised prices on several products.
• The sale is part of early promotions for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, which officially begin on October 6, 2026.
• The discounted iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip, supports Apple Intelligence, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro.
• The 2024 iPad Mini often sold for approximately $400 throughout 2025, making the current $499 price higher than its previous baseline but lower than its post-June 2026 price.

Background

Apple increased prices on several devices in June 2026, including the iPad Mini. Prior to this increase, the base model frequently sold for around $400. Industry rumors suggest an eighth-generation iPad Mini with an OLED display and A20 Pro chip may launch later in 2026, potentially making the current 2024 model less desirable for some buyers.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge emphasizes that the current $499 price is the best deal since June but notes it is still higher than the $400 price common in 2025. Gizmodo highlights that Apple's own store still charges full price, making Amazon the exclusive source for this discount. AppleInsider provides a comprehensive list of discounted configurations, including cellular models, and notes the deal is available without a Prime membership. Mezha reports the same pricing but contextualizes it against the 2025 baseline, noting the discount is a recent low rather than a historical low.

Why it matters

This discount offers consumers a rare opportunity to purchase the current iPad Mini at a price comparable to its pre-2026 levels. For buyers considering an upgrade, the deal provides a temporary reprieve from recent price hikes, though the impending release of a new model may influence long-term value.

What to watch

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are scheduled to begin on October 6, 2026. Apple is expected to release the eighth-generation iPad Mini later in 2026, which may feature an OLED display and newer processor, potentially rendering the current model obsolete.