Amazon’s October Prime Big Deals Days have brought a welcome price cut for Apple’s compact tablet. Both the Wi‑Fi‑only and cellular versions of the iPad Mini are now listed with a $100 reduction, marking the first notable discount since Apple raised prices across several of its product lines in June.

Source: platform.theverge.com

Current Pricing After the Discount

The entry‑level Wi‑Fi model equipped with 128 GB of storage is priced at $499. Stepping up to the 256 GB configuration brings the cost to $599. For users who need cellular connectivity, the 128 GB cellular variant is offered at $649. These figures represent a direct $100 cut from the standard retail prices that have been in effect since the summer price adjustment.

Historically, the base iPad Mini configuration has hovered around the $400 mark throughout much of 2025. While $500 for a tablet released in late 2024 may still feel steep for some shoppers, the current offer is the lowest price observed since the June price increase. Analysts note that if Apple unveils a refreshed iPad Mini later in the year, the next‑generation model could command a significantly higher price point, making today’s deal even more timely for prospective buyers.

What the 2024 iPad Mini Brings to the Table

The seventh‑generation iPad Mini, introduced in 2024, is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip, the same silicon found in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. This processor delivers a noticeable boost in performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. The tablet also supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of on‑device AI features that enable smarter photo editing, enhanced Siri interactions, and real‑time language translation.

In addition to the core hardware upgrades, the iPad Mini retains compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, allowing artists and note‑takers to take advantage of low‑latency input and pressure sensitivity. Connectivity improvements include faster Wi‑Fi 6E support and upgraded USB‑C transfer speeds, which facilitate quicker file transfers and smoother external display output when using adapters.

Editorial Perspective on the Updated Mini

When The Verge reviewed the iPad Mini at launch, the publication praised the leap to the A17 Pro and the integration of Apple Intelligence as meaningful advancements. However, the review also pointed out that the device felt somewhat lacking in certain quality‑of‑life refinements that appeared on the larger iPad Pro and iPad Air models released around the same period, such as a brighter display, improved speaker system, and a more robust chassis design.

Despite those critiques, the iPad Mini remains a compelling option for users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance. The current Prime Day discount narrows the gap between its premium positioning and the more affordable price points that many consumers expect from a compact tablet.