Best Buy Preparing for iPad Updates with $50 Price Cut, Inventory Cuts

Potentially signaling its belief that the launch of the iPad 3 is imminent, Best Buy is now offering $50 discounts across the entire line of iPad 2 models, with pricing now beginning at $449.99 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model.

ipad 2 best buy 50 off
Furthermore, Engadget reports that Best Buy has begun updating its internal inventory management systems to reflect a "deleted" status for iPad 2 models.

best buy ipad 2 deleted
Best Buy generally does not have advance notice of new Apple products, especially those that are anticipated to appear as part of a major media event. Consequently, Best Buy's moves should not be taken as specific indicators of an iPad 3 launch, although numerous sources have indicated that a debut is near, with March 7 rumored for the planned media event.

But Best Buy certainly appears to be adjusting its offerings to make way for the updated model, and the company is not alone in that regard. Grocery and retail store chain Meijer earlier this month offered the entry-level iPad for $429, a $70 discount from the regular retail prices. Meijer's pricing has since returned to normal, but indications are that retailers are anticipating the arrival of the iPad 3.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

striker33 Avatar
182 months ago
If 4g is already built in, and no wifi option is available, it's pretty much guaranteed to have a higher price point.

This is before even accounting for a higher resolution screen

There has to be a WiFi model though for European markets. No one in the UK uses 4g/LTE networks, so the inclusion would be pointless. There is however, strong HSPA+ coverage.

Plus they'd have to look at the market anyway. Over here, the most popular model by a mile is the 16GB WiFi option. If consumers were forced to pay extra for things like 4g and modem capabilities, they'd just stick with an iPad 2.

Personally I dont see the point in having a 3g/4g enabled iPad. I always have my phone with me, and most phones support tethering or can be used as WiFi hotspots, so an extra data plan is pointless. But thats just me though.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nostromo Avatar
182 months ago
You'd have to be nuts to buy an iPad now.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FrizzleFryBen Avatar
182 months ago
Just sold mine this weekend. I'm just going to go to the Apple Store and pick/rent an iPad 2 up for a few weeks. No restocking fees, no big deal.

It is not renting, it's causing a company to lose money for your selfish intentions. When you say it that way it sounds more like theft doesn't it?

I suppose you think it's OK for old people to steal batteries too!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleHater Avatar
182 months ago
Just sold mine this weekend. I'm just going to go to the Apple Store and pick/rent an iPad 2 up for a few weeks. No restocking fees, no big deal.

Unfortunately, the rest of us are paying for those losses...:(
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
min_t Avatar
182 months ago
The CIA and FBI should be hiring these bloggers that ferret out Apple rumor stories. A deleted item in inventory in a retail chain database, a shipping manifest of air cargo carriers pointing to a change in schedule, the sudden shift in the trade winds - all pointing to an all-out iPad3 launch next week. :rolleyes:.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
berkleeboy210 Avatar
182 months ago
please no 4g lte. The battery drain would be nasty. I dont want to lose my 10+ hour battery life. Retina display would be nice though.

I'm sure you'll be able to turn it off if you're not using it...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)