Short answer: The iPad 9th-generation Wi‑Fi model with 64GB storage did reach about $249 at Amazon during Prime Day promotions in 2023. That is a historically excellent price, but it is not a confirmed live deal on August 18, 2026—and “last time ever” was speculation. The same $249 price appeared again in October 2023.
If you find a new, 64GB Wi‑Fi iPad 9th Gen for a genuine $249 before tax, it remains a sensible low-cost entry to iPadOS. Above roughly $249–$279, a newer iPad or a carefully evaluated renewed model deserves closer consideration.
What the $249 deal actually was
The widely reported offer was an Amazon promotion from June/July 2023 and again from October 2023—not a verified August 2026 listing. Coverage described the base 64GB Wi‑Fi iPad 9th Gen falling from its $329 list price to approximately $249 or $249.99.
Some versions required clipping an on-page coupon or applying an instant checkout discount, with reports of $20 or $29 reductions. The advertised amount was generally before sales tax and could vary with shipping, Prime eligibility, color, seller, and inventory. Search engines can continue displaying old deal pages after an offer has ended, so a live retailer page is essential.
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#1 Best Overall
The “last time ever” wording should not be treated as fact. A $249 price recorded during early Prime Day coverage returned during October Prime Day, weakening any claim that the first promotion was the final opportunity. TechRadar’s early Prime Day report documents the original promotion and its coupon mechanics.
Which iPad is included?
| Specification | What the $249 reports covered | What to verify before paying |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | iPad 9th generation | The listing must not say 8th or 10th generation |
| Screen | 10.2 inches | Confirm the model description and photos match |
| Storage | 64GB | 256GB was reported around $389.99–$399, not $249 |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi | Wi‑Fi + Cellular was not necessarily part of the promotion |
| Condition | New retail stock | Exclude renewed, used, or refurbished offers when comparing prices |
| Price mechanics | About $249 or $249.99 before tax | Clip any coupon and check the final pre-tax checkout total |
Amazon marketplace listings can change seller, fulfillment method, color, and condition. Check the seller, return window, warranty information, and whether the coupon remains applied immediately before submitting payment.
Rank #2
- 10.2-inch Retina display
What you get for the money
Performance for everyday tasks
The A13 Bionic chip remains adequate for web browsing, streaming, reading, school applications, video calls, light multitasking, and casual games. Contemporary coverage considered its display and general performance stronger than many inexpensive Fire or Android tablets at similar prices.
Familiar hardware
The 9th Gen has a physical Home button, thick bezels, a Lightning connector, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. Its front camera supports Center Stage. Apple’s technical specifications are available at Apple Support.
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- Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone - A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay - Stereo speakers
The compromises that matter in 2026
64GB fills quickly
Usable space is lower than the number on the box because iPadOS and applications occupy part of the drive. Large games, downloaded films, photos, and multiple user profiles can consume the remainder quickly. Choose 256GB—or a newer model with more capacity—if the tablet will be shared by children, travel offline, store media, or run large games.
An obsolete physical design
The non-laminated display, Lightning port, older camera placement, and Home-button chassis feel dated beside current iPads. USB‑C accessories do not plug in directly, and newer Apple Pencil models should not be assumed compatible; check Apple’s compatibility information before buying accessories.
Rank #4
- Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Back Camera, 1.2MP FaceTime HD Front Camera - Stereo Speakers
- 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5 - Lightning Connector for Charging & More Accessories
- Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life/Charge - Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
- Support for Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
Shorter remaining software runway
Apple does not promise a fixed number of future iPadOS updates. A 2021 model should be expected to have less remaining support runway than a current iPad, so verify the latest compatible iPadOS version and the requirements of apps you rely on. Do not assume Apple Intelligence features are available.
Who should buy it at $249?
- Students and families seeking the least expensive new route into iPadOS.
- People mainly streaming, browsing, reading, attending video calls, or using school and office apps.
- Buyers who specifically value the headphone jack, Home button, or first-generation Apple Pencil.
- Anyone comfortable using cloud storage and keeping local files modest.
Who should wait or choose something newer?
- Gamers, creators, and heavy downloaders who need sustained performance or substantial storage.
- Buyers who require USB‑C, a laminated screen, newer accessory support, or a modern front-camera layout.
- People planning to keep the tablet for many years and willing to pay more for longer expected usefulness.
- Anyone seeing a price materially above the historical $249–$279 range.
Alternatives worth comparing
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Current base iPad | USB‑C, newer chip, modern design, and longer expected life | Costs more; the current price must be checked on Apple’s live page |
| Amazon Renewed iPad | Getting a newer generation for less | Condition, battery health, warranty, and accessories vary by seller |
| Amazon Fire tablet | Very inexpensive streaming, reading, and Alexa use | Not full iPadOS and lacks Apple Pencil or Apple ecosystem integration |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab | Android users and selected models with expandable storage | Different app and accessory ecosystem from iPad |
Use this checklist before purchasing
- Open the live retailer listing, not only a search-result snippet or old deal article.
- Confirm “iPad 9th generation,” 64GB, Wi‑Fi, and New in the product details.
- Check the seller, fulfillment method, return period, and warranty.
- Clip the displayed coupon, if required, and verify the final pre-tax total is about $249.
- Check the color and stock status; one color may be discounted while another is not.
- Calculate sales tax and delivery charges for your address.
- Compare the total with a newer iPad before checkout if the price rises substantially above $249.
Bottom line on “buy now or wait”
A verified $249 price for a new 64GB Wi‑Fi iPad 9th Gen is a strong bargain for basic iPadOS use, but it is a bargain because of the low price—not because this is proven to be the final chance to buy one. The offer was historical, repeated during 2023, and is not established as live in 2026. If the listing is expired, requires renewed stock, or climbs well above $249, waiting or stepping up to a newer iPad is the safer decision.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
