How to preorder the new iPad 9 and iPad mini 6 — and best early deals

(Image credit: Apple)

iPad preorders are officially live. However, the new iPad 9 and iPad mini 6 will officially hit retail stores on Sept. 24, which means preorders is closing. Both tablets are now equipped with faster Apple processors and better cameras, yet they're both keeping their predecessors' same starting prices.

The new iPad starts from $329, whereas the new iPad mini costs from $499. However, we've already spotted a few early iPad deals on both tablets.

Where to preorder the iPad 9

The iPad 9's biggest updates are its new A13 Bionic CPU and larger storage capacities. The CPU offers a 20% increase in performance, according to Apple. It's the same CPU found in the iPhone 11.

Meanwhile, the base model offers 64GB of storage, whereas the step-up model includes 256GB. In both cases, you're getting twice the storage of its predecessor. Apple also upgraded its front camera to 12MP (from 1.2MP) complete with Center Stage support, which uses machine learning to adjust the front-facing camera during FaceTime video calls.

Both Amazon and Best Buy have the new iPad available for preorder. However, Best Buy will let you trade-in your old tablet for up to a $400 discount. For instance, an old iPad 7 could fetch you a $160 credit which you can apply toward the purchase of a new iPad.

10.2" iPad 2021: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2F2021-Apple-10-2-inch-iPad-Wi-Fi%2Fdp%2FB09G9FPHY6%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">was $329 now $299 @ Amazon
The new 2021 iPad features Apple's A13 Bionic CPU, a new 12MP front camera, and 64GB of storage (instead of 32GB like its predecessor). You also get support for Center Stage, which uses machine learning to adjust the front-facing camera during FaceTime video calls.

10.2" iPad 2021: <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=4901809&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fapple-10-2-inch-ipad-latest-model-with-wi-fi-64gb-space-gray%2F4901809.p%3FskuId%3D4901809&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">up to $400 off w/ trade-in @ Best Buy
Got an old iPad you're willing to part with? Best Buy will give you up to a $400 credit if you <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?id=pcmcat1552947511374&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fclp-computers-tablets%2Flatest-ipad-trade-in-offer%2Fpcmcat1552947511374.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat1552947511374&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">trade-in your old iPad for the new iPad. For instance, a previous-gen iPad 7 would fetch you a $160 credit.

Where to preorder the iPad mini 6

The 2021 iPad mini has received the biggest upgrades. In addition to its new edge-to-edge screen, it also sports a larger 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 2266 x 1488 resolution. (The older iPad mini has a 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536 display). The new tablet also gets a current-gen A15 Bionic CPU, which is the same processor powering the new iPhone 13. According to Apple, the new CPU should provide a 40% jump in performance when compared to the previous iPad mini.

Both Amazon and Best Buy are offering iPad mini preorders. However, Best Buy will let you trade-in your old tablet for up to a $400 discount. For instance, the previous-gen iPad mini could fetch you a $175 credit which you can apply toward the purchase of a new iPad.

8.3" iPad mini 2021: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2F2021-Apple-iPad-Mini-Wi-Fi%2Fdp%2FB09G91LXFP%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">preorder for $499 @ Amazon
The new iPad mini is the star of Apple's new lineup. It features an all-new thin bezel design, a larger 8.3.inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity. It also works with the Apple Pencil 2.

8.3" iPad mini 2021: <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=4901902&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fapple-ipad-mini-latest-model-with-wi-fi-64gb-space-gray%2F4901902.p%3FskuId%3D4901902&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">up to $400 off w/ trade-in @ Best Buy
If you have an old iPad you want to get rid of, Best Buy is the way to go. The retailer will give you up to a $400 credit if you <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?id=pcmcat1552947511374&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fclp-computers-tablets%2Flatest-ipad-trade-in-offer%2Fpcmcat1552947511374.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat1552947511374&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">trade-in your old iPad for the new iPad mini. For instance, the previous-gen iPad mini would fetch you a $175 credit.

Shop today's best iPad discounts

7.9" iPad mini (256GB/2019): was $549 now $449 @ Amazon
10.9" iPad Air (64GB/2020): was $599 now $499 @ Amazon
11" iPad Pro (128GB/2021): was $799 now $749 @ Amazon
11" iPad Pro (128GB/5G/2021): up to $100 off w/ trade-in @ Verizon
12.9" iPad Pro (128GB/2021): was $1,099 now $999 @ Amazon

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As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.