Apple's online store recently began selling factory-refurbished iPad Airs, with the 16GB starting at $419 and the 32GB starting at $509. That's $80 or $90 off the price of a new iPad Air and comes with a one-year warranty, a new battery, a new outer shell, manuals and accessories, and new packaging. I'm not sure what they mean by an outer shell, but it sounds like you can expect the iPad to be in new condition cosmetically. They also have a ton of other refurbished iPad models, including iPad minis and fourth-generation iPads. 9To5Mac points out that WalMart actually has a lower price on refurbished iPad Airs, with the 16GB model starting at $399. But they only offer a three-month warranty and are refurbished by a third party. However, the customer reviews are quite positive, with at least one saying that he actually received a new iPad Air.
And looking ahead to the next release of iPads, Know Your Mobile is reporting that the updated iPad Air coming out late this year will have the new A8 chip and Touch ID. No surprise there. But the post also says that it's unlikely that Apple will release an updated iPad mini with retina display. And it's again reporting what other websites have said: that the larger 12-inch iPad that had been rumored won't be coming out this year.