Best Buy's Fourth of July sale is offering significant discounts on Apple's previous-generation M3 iPad Air tablets, with savings reaching up to $400 off retail prices. The cellular models are seeing the biggest markdowns, making them competitive with Wi-Fi only versions in some configurations.

The deals come just as Apple raised prices on the newer M4 iPad Air lineup, creating a notable price gap between generations. While the M4 chip delivers faster performance and upgraded wireless capabilities, the core tablet experience remains largely similar between iterations.

Pricing starts at $499 for the 128GB Cellular 11-inch model, representing a $250 discount compared to its original price. The same configuration in the M4 generation retails for $899, highlighting the substantial savings available on the previous generation.

For buyers who don't need cutting-edge processor speeds, these M3 iPad Air deals present compelling value. The price difference effectively subsidizes accessories or AppleCare coverage, making the older generation tablets attractive options for mainstream users.