iPad A16 Black Friday deal: 11-inch iPad for $279 — is it worth it?

Apple’s 11-inch iPad with the A16 chip is on sale for $279 for Black Friday, making it the most affordable iPad in the current lineup at a notable discount. The model packs the A16 processor (the same family as recent iPhones), a sharp Liquid Retina display and Apple Pencil support — a strong package for everyday use.

The iPad includes a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing Center Stage camera for video calls, Touch ID in the top button, USB-C, Wi‑Fi 6 and up to around 10 hours of battery life on Wi‑Fi. It supports the Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and the Magic Keyboard Folio (accessory compatibility can vary), giving you options for note-taking, sketching and light productivity.

Why this is a good buy

• Performance: The A16 chip delivers snappy performance for browsing, streaming, creative apps and multitasking — enough for most users without stepping up to the M-series models.
• Display & cameras: The 11-inch Liquid Retina screen (2360 x 1640) is bright and detailed, and Center Stage makes video calls feel more natural.
• Accessory ecosystem: Apple Pencil support and keyboard folios expand the iPad’s utility for students and casual creators.
• Value: At $279, this model strikes a balance between price and capability — the iPad Air M3 is also on sale (around $449), but the A16 model is the best budget pick.

Things to consider

• If you need pro-level performance (heavy video editing, high-end creative workflows), an M-series iPad (Air or Pro) may be worth the extra cost.
• Accessory costs add up — Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio are sold separately and increase the total spend.
• Confirm which Apple Pencil generation is supported for your workflow — the iPad supports the USB‑C Apple Pencil and has limited compatibility with older accessories via adapters.

If you want to compare models, check our Apple iPad lineup for spec differences, or browse current listings (affiliate search): iPad A16 on Amazon.

Discussion: Is $279 enough to get you into the iPad ecosystem — or would you spend more for an M-series iPad? Which apps or use cases would you prioritize on a new iPad?