Back to School Deals on iPads and Accessories

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

The back-to-school season is on the horizon for 2025, and for students aiming to blend cutting-edge technology with their academic pursuits, now is an excellent time to start looking for back to school iPad deals. iPads have become indispensable tools for learning, offering a versatile platform for note-taking, research, creative projects, and, of course, staying organized. Coupled with the right accessories, an iPad can transform into a powerful educational companion. While specific sales haven't fully kicked off as of mid-May 2025, this period is ideal for planning and identifying the iPad models and gear that will best suit your needs, so you're ready when the student discounts and bundles start rolling out on Amazon, Apple's education store, and other retailers.

Before we dive into the full list of must-watch items, here’s a snapshot of key iPad categories where you can often find compelling offers during the back-to-school shopping period:

Top 10 iPads and Accessories to Watch for Back-to-School Savings

Here’s a look at ten iPad models and essential accessories that offer fantastic value for students. Keep these on your radar as back-to-school 2025 promotions begin to surface.

1. iPad (10th or 11th Generation)

The standard iPad (currently the 10th gen, with an 11th gen possibly available or announced for 2025) remains a fantastic entry point into the Apple ecosystem for students. It’s ideal for the high school or undergraduate student who needs a versatile device for everyday tasks: taking notes, reading digital textbooks, Browse the web for research, and joining online classes. It offers a great balance of performance and features for its price, especially when student discounts or back-to-school iPad deals become available. Its compatibility with an Apple Pencil (1st gen or USB-C, depending on the iPad model) makes it even more useful.

2. iPad Air (M2 or newer M-series chip)

The iPad Air, particularly models equipped with the M2 chip (or newer M3/M4 chips if those are the current 2025 versions), strikes an excellent balance between the standard iPad and the high-end Pro models. This is perfect for the college student who needs more power for demanding apps—think light video editing, graphic design, or running multiple research tools—but still values a lightweight and portable design. Look for Apple back to school sale events, as these often feature the iPad Air with educational pricing or gift card offers.

3. iPad Pro (M2, M4, or newer M-series chip)

For students in creative fields like art, design, or media production, or those who simply want the most powerful iPad experience, the iPad Pro is the ultimate tool. Its ProMotion display, powerful M-series chip (like the M2 or the newer M4), and advanced camera system make it a beast for any task. While it's the priciest option, back-to-school deals for education, especially through Apple's own student programs, can make it more attainable. This is for the student who won't compromise on performance or display quality.

4. iPad mini (Latest Generation)

The iPad mini is the king of portability. It’s perfect for the student who is always on the move, needs a compact device for reading, quick note-taking, or referencing materials during labs or fieldwork. Imagine a medical student easily slipping it into their lab coat or a journalism student using it for quick interviews. While small, it packs a punch with a capable A-series chip and Apple Pencil support, making it a surprisingly versatile tool, especially when deals pop up.

5. Apple Pencil (All current versions: USB-C, 2nd Gen, Pro)

An Apple Pencil is almost an essential accessory for any student with a compatible iPad. It transforms the iPad into a digital notebook and sketchpad. Whether you're annotating PDFs, sketching diagrams in biology, or taking handwritten notes in history, the precision and ease of use are unmatched. Different iPad models support different Pencil versions (USB-C, 2nd Gen, or the newest Apple Pencil Pro), so check compatibility. Student discounts on Apple Pencils sometimes accompany iPad purchases during promotional periods.

6. Apple Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio

For students who do a lot of typing—essays, research papers, coding—a physical keyboard is a game-changer. Apple’s Magic Keyboard offers a premium typing experience with a trackpad, essentially turning the iPad into a mini-laptop. The Smart Keyboard Folio is a lighter, more streamlined option. These are ideal for humanities students, aspiring writers, or anyone who prefers tactile feedback. Keep an eye out for bundle deals or education pricing on these invaluable iPad accessories for college.

7. Logitech Combo Touch or Slim Folio Keyboard Case

If Apple's own keyboards are a bit steep, Logitech offers excellent alternatives like the Combo Touch (with trackpad) or Slim Folio. These cases provide both protection and a great typing experience, often at a more budget-friendly price point, especially when deals are active. They are fantastic for any student needing a robust keyboard solution and solid protection for their iPad.

8. High-Quality Protective Case (e.g., OtterBox, Spigen, ESR)

An iPad is a significant investment, so protecting it is crucial. A durable protective case is a must-have, especially for students juggling a busy schedule and carrying their devices around campus. Brands like OtterBox are known for rugged protection, while Spigen and ESR offer a range of styles from slim and clear to folio cases with storage for an Apple Pencil. Back-to-school is a great time to find these on sale.

9. USB-C Hub/Adapter

With iPads (especially Air and Pro models) featuring USB-C ports, a multi-port hub or adapter becomes incredibly useful for expanding connectivity. This is for the student who needs to connect external storage, an SD card from a camera, an external display, or other peripherals. It’s a small accessory that greatly enhances the iPad's versatility as a productivity tool. Look for these on Amazon, as many brands offer competitive pricing.

10. Paper-Like Screen Protector

For students who do a lot of writing or drawing with an Apple Pencil, a "Paper-Like" or matte screen protector can significantly improve the experience. It adds a slightly textured surface that mimics the feel of writing on paper, offering more resistance and control. This is perfect for digital artists or avid note-takers who miss that tactile feedback. These are often reasonably priced, and deals can make them even more attractive.

Score Your Essential Apple Gear for Less This Season

As the summer of 2025 progresses and the back-to-school shopping season gains momentum (typically peaking from late June through August), be prepared to seize the opportunity to get your hands on iPads and essential accessories. By keeping an eye on Apple's education store, Amazon's daily deals, and promotions from other major tech retailers, students can often find significant savings or valuable bundle offers. Whether it's a new iPad to anchor your digital learning experience or the perfect accessory to boost your productivity, planning now means you'll be ready to make smart purchases when the best offers appear.

Start researching which iPad model and accessories best fit your academic needs and budget. That way, when those coveted back-to-school iPad deals drop, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision and snag some of the best student tech for the year ahead.

Reader’s Favorite:

• Affordable Laptops for Students on a Budget

• Must-Have Dorm Room Essentials for College Freshmen

• Best Tech Gadgets for Back to School

• Best Tablets for Homework and Entertainment