Buying a Used iPad: Which Models Will Last for Years to Come
Want to buy a used iPad but not sure which model will stand the test of time? We break down which iPads will keep going strong for years — and which ones to avoid.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-08-06
You want to buy a used iPad, but the last thing you need is to discover two years down the line that your device no longer receives updates or struggles to run every app. That's a fair concern. Not every second-hand iPad is a smart purchase — the difference between a bargain and a disappointment often comes down to the model and the year it was made.
Quick summary: Buying a used iPad is a smart move, as long as you go for a model from 2020 or later. iPads with an A12 chip or newer will continue to receive updates for years and run modern apps without breaking a sweat. Older models are cheaper, but they'll quickly hit their limits.
Why buying a used iPad makes so much sense
A new iPad from Apple will set you back anywhere between €349 and €1,200. A refurbished or used version of the same model costs significantly less — sometimes half the price. And yet, in many cases, you get exactly the same experience.
We see it every day in our workshop in Nijverdal: people who need an iPad for school, working from home, or simply unwinding, and who don't want to pay the latest price for something that will serve them well for years. That's rational thinking. But you do need to pick the right model.
The biggest risk when buying a used iPad is software support. Apple eventually stops releasing updates for older models. Once that happens, you stop receiving security updates and apps can start dropping support for your device — quite literally. Popular apps like Zoom, Teams, and even YouTube keep raising the bar when it comes to operating system requirements.
Which iPad models are still future-proof?
Not all models are created equal. The chip inside an iPad largely determines how long it will remain viable. Apple typically supports models for seven to eight years after launch. Here's an overview of the most common models on the second-hand market:
| Model |
Year |
Chip |
Future-proof? |
| iPad (9th generation) |
2021 |
A13 Bionic |
✅ Yes, easily 4–5 more years |
| iPad (10th generation) |
2022 |
A14 Bionic |
✅ Yes, an excellent choice |
| iPad Air (4th generation) |
2020 |
A14 Bionic |
✅ Yes, powerful and fast |
| iPad Air (5th generation) |
2022 |
M1 |
✅ Yes, future-proof |
| iPad Pro 11" (3rd generation) |
2021 |
M1 |
✅ Yes, a top-tier model |
| iPad mini (6th generation) |
2021 |
A15 Bionic |
✅ Yes, compact and capable |
| iPad (8th generation) |
2020 |
A12 Bionic |
⚠️ Acceptable, a few years left |
| iPad (7th generation) |
2019 |
A10 Fusion |
❌ Nearly at the end of its life |
| iPad Air (3rd generation) |
2019 |
A12 Bionic |
⚠️ Acceptable, but proceed with caution |
| iPad mini (5th generation) |
2019 |
A12 Bionic |
⚠️ Acceptable, but proceed with caution |
Our experience shows that customers who buy an iPad from before 2019 tend to come back within a year or two, frustrated by sluggish performance or apps that no longer work. That's not a great return on your money.
What to look out for when buying a second-hand iPad
Buying a used iPad involves more than just checking the model. There are a number of things we always verify at The Phone Shopper before a device leaves our hands. If you're buying elsewhere, run through these checks yourself:
- Check Activation Lock: Go to Settings → [your name] → Find My iPad. If this is switched on, the device is still linked to an Apple ID. Don't buy it unless the seller removes it first.
- Test the battery health: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health. We never sell a refurbished iPad with less than 85% battery capacity. If it falls below that, we replace the battery before it goes on sale.
- Check the screen for dead pixels and scratches: Set the display to a white background and inspect it carefully in good lighting.
- Test the charging port: Plug in a charger and check that it makes solid contact. A wobbly cable is a sign of wear.
- Check the cameras: Take a photo and shoot a short video, and test the microphone using a voice recording.
- Test the speakers and buttons: Volume, power, and the Home button if applicable — the latter is often the first thing to go on older models.
- Ask for the original receipt or serial number: Use checkcoverage.apple.com to verify that the device hasn't been stolen or blocked.
Sounds like a lot of work? With a refurbished iPad from The Phone Shopper, our technicians have already taken care of all of this. Every device goes through a thorough inspection covering more than 50 checkpoints.
New iPad vs. used iPad: which should you choose?
Honest advice, even if it occasionally works against our own sales: for most people, buying a used iPad is the smarter choice. An iPad can easily last five to seven years from a technical standpoint. After two years, a second-hand model has dropped considerably in price, yet in day-to-day use it's barely any different.
- Go for a used iPad if you want a device for browsing, streaming, reading, emailing, or light productivity tasks.
- Go for a new iPad if you do heavy video editing, use professional drawing applications (like Procreate on a Pro model), or simply want the very latest features.
- Go for a used iPad Pro if you want professional-grade power without paying the latest price — a second-hand iPad Pro M1 is more than capable enough for most creative workflows.
Last week, a student came into our Nijverdal store and was torn between a new iPad (9th generation) for €349 and a refurbished iPad Air (4th generation) at a similar price. We recommended the Air — a better chip, USB-C, Touch ID built into the power button, and a far superior display. She left with a smile on her face.
What's the difference between refurbished and second-hand?
When you're looking to buy a used iPad, you'll quickly come across both "second-hand" and "refurbished." They sound similar, but they're not the same thing.
A second-hand iPad is simply a device that a previous owner has resold. Sometimes it's in great condition, sometimes less so. There's no inspection or warranty — you buy what you see.
A refurbished iPad has been professionally inspected, reset, cleaned, and repaired where needed. At The Phone Shopper, we sell refurbished iPads with a 2-year warranty, a minimum battery capacity of 85%, and in one of our four condition grades: New, As Good As New, Lightly Used, or Used. That way, you know exactly what you're getting.
Browse our full refurbished range or head straight to our iPad shop to see what's currently available.
What does a used iPad typically cost?
Prices vary depending on the model, storage capacity, and condition. But as a rough guide:
- iPad (9th generation, 64 GB): from around €199
- iPad Air (4th generation, 64 GB): from around €299
- iPad Air (5th generation, 64 GB): from around €399
- iPad Pro 11" M1 (128 GB): from around €499
- iPad mini (6th generation, 64 GB): from around €349
Got an old device you'd like to trade in? Through our trade-in page, you'll receive an offer within 24 hours, and the amount can be deducted straight from your next purchase. No hassle, no waiting around.
Prefer not to pay everything at once? We also offer 0% interest financing — spread over 6, 12, or 24 months. You pay only what your iPad is worth, with no added costs.
Frequently asked questions
Which used iPad is the best to buy in 2025?
For most users, the iPad (10th generation, 2022) or the iPad Air (4th or 5th generation) is the top pick. They run on powerful chips, feature USB-C, and will continue to receive software updates from Apple for years to come. The iPad Pro M1 is the premium choice if you need extra processing power for creative work.
How long will a used iPad last?
An iPad you buy today from a 2020 or later model will easily last another four to five years with normal use. Apple supports models with software updates for an average of seven years. Battery life can decrease over time, but with our refurbished models, it's always been checked or replaced before the device goes on sale.
Is a refurbished iPad reliable?
Yes, as long as you buy from a trustworthy seller. At The Phone Shopper, our certified technicians inspect every device across more than 50 checkpoints, replace the battery if it falls below 85%, and back everything with a 2-year warranty. That's more peace of mind than you'd get from most new devices bought at a supermarket or online marketplace.
What do the iPad condition grades mean?
We use four condition labels: New (unused, in original packaging), As Good As New (virtually no signs of use), Lightly Used (minor scratches visible in bright light), and Used (visible signs of wear, but fully functional). The condition grade affects the price, not the performance.
Can I also get a used iPad repaired?
Absolutely. Our covers screens, batteries, charging ports, and more — often while you wait. If an iPad you bought from us develops an unexpected issue, it's simply covered under your warranty. But iPads purchased elsewhere are equally welcome in our Nijverdal workshop.
What accessories do I need with a used iPad?
A case and a screen protector are always a wise investment. If you use your iPad for note-taking or drawing, an Apple Pencil is a great addition — just make sure you get the right generation for your model. Browse our accessories range for compatible options. We're happy to help you find the right combination in store.
Feel free to pop in at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal, or give us a call on 0548-549536. We'd love to help you find the used iPad that best fits your needs and budget.
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