Best answer: As the first new iPad mini in 3 1/2 years launches, you should make your purchase through the Apple website. Still, there are other choices.

Which one is your favorite?

The 7.9-inch iPad mini 5 is available in silver, space gray, and gold. You can purchase it with 64GB or 256GB of storage, Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular:

iPad mini 5:

  • $399 for 64GB Wi-Fi
  • $529 for 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
  • $549 for 256GB Wi-Fi
  • $679 for 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

By mail or at an Apple retail store?

When ordering your new iPad mini, you'll need to decide how quickly you'd like it in your hands, and whether you want to drive to your local store on launch day. If you choose to have your iPad mini order mailed to you, you're at the whim of your local UPS or FedEx drivers.

If you're considering trading in your old iPad for some extra cash, you can do that online or at your local store — up to you.

How to order it

There are a few different ways to purchase your new iPad Pro, how you choose mostly depends on what's more convenient for you.

The best way to order online: The Apple Store app

If you want to avoid slow web pages, you can use your iPhone or current iPad to order via the Apple Store app. The app is quick, easy, requires very little effort on your part, and best of all — you can use Apple Pay. You can even designate your new iPad for in-store pickup within the app.

Free - Download now

If you want to use a computer: Apple Online

If you don't have a reason to do otherwise, Apple.com remains the easiest way to order your new iPad online.

When ordering through Apple, you can use Apple Pay, which is perhaps the easiest way to order something on the planet!

Write this down

The iPad mini 5 is the first 7.9-inch iPad that supports Apple Pencil. In this case, it supports the first generation accessory.

What about Amazon and Best Buy?

In recent years, Amazon has become a powerhouse Apple retailer. In doing so, you can often get Apple products and accessories at a discount, although probably not the iPad mini 5 around its launch. If you're a My Best Buy member, that retailer is also worth considering because you might be able to save some quick cash.

Get your new tablet

iPad mini 5

It's finally here

This is the first new iPad mini to arrive since the fourth-generation model was announced in late 2015.

Perfect accessory

Apple Pencil (first generation)

First in our hearts

Remember, the first generation Apple Pencil is the one that works with the 2019 iPad mini -- not the second generation version.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.