Introduction — Is iPad 5th Gen (2017) Still Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPad 5th Gen (2017) is one of the cheapest iPads you can find in 2026. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 5th Gen (2017) models have dropped to around $90+, making it very tempting for anyone searching for a budget tablet.
At first glance, $90 for an iPad sounds like a steal. It’s a recognizable Apple device with solid build quality and access to basic apps. However, when it comes to older iPads, software support matters far more than price alone — and this is where the iPad 5th Gen falls short.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad 5th Gen in 2026?
No — the iPad 5th Gen (2017) is not worth buying in 2026, even at $90+ Certified Used / Refurbished pricing.
Why buyers are tempted:
- Extremely low price at $90+
- Acceptable build quality
- Can still handle very basic tasks
Why we don’t recommend it:
- Capped at iPadOS 15
- Excluded from modern iPadOS features through iPadOS 26
- Rapidly declining app compatibility
- Very limited remaining usable lifespan
UpTrade recommendation:
If you can increase your budget by about $40, the Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) — starting around $130+ — is a dramatically better purchase. It supports the latest iPadOS 26, offers better performance, and will remain usable for years longer.
iPad 5th Gen (2017) — What It Still Does Well
To be fair, the iPad 5th Gen isn’t completely unusable in 2026. For a tablet that’s nearly a decade old, it can still handle a handful of very basic tasks reasonably well.
The iPad 5th Gen still works for:
- Web browsing on lighter websites
- Watching YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming apps
- Reading articles, ebooks, or PDFs
- Light app usage that hasn’t dropped iPadOS 15 support
Apple’s hardware quality also plays a role here. Even older iPads tend to age better physically than many low-end Android tablets, so the device itself often still feels solid in hand.
If you already own an iPad 5th Gen, it can continue to function as a secondary or backup device for casual use. However, these limited strengths don’t change the bigger picture for new buyers in 2026.
Software Support Status — The Real Deal Breaker
The biggest problem with the iPad 5th Gen (2017) is software support — and it’s not a small issue.
The iPad 5th Gen is capped at iPadOS 15, which was released back in 2022. Apple has excluded this model from every major iPadOS release since then, all the way through the current iPadOS 26. While Apple has continued to push limited security patches — with the most recent being iPadOS 16.7.12 in September 2025 — this is considered security-only support, not full platform support.
In practical terms, this means:
- No new iPadOS features for years
- Increasing app compatibility issues
- More frequent app crashes or missing updates
- Faster depreciation and poor resale value
- A very short remaining usable lifespan
By 2026, most major apps are designed with newer iPadOS versions in mind. Even if the iPad 5th Gen technically still works today, it’s already far behind Apple’s supported ecosystem.
This is why the $90+ Certified Used / Refurbished price is misleading. You may save money upfront, but you’re buying into a device that’s already at the end of its practical life.
Better Alternative — iPad 8th Gen (2020)
If you’re considering the iPad 5th Gen mainly because of its ultra-low $90+ price, the iPad 8th Gen (2020) is a far better option that costs only slightly more but delivers years of additional usability.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) models start at around $130+. That extra ~$40 may not seem like much, but it makes a massive difference in software support, performance, and long-term value.
Most importantly, the iPad 8th Gen supports the latest iPadOS 26, while the iPad 5th Gen is capped at iPadOS 15. This alone makes the iPad 8th Gen the clear choice for buyers in 2026.
iPad 5th Gen (2017) vs iPad 8th Gen (2020) — Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad 5th Gen (2017) |
iPad 8th Gen (2020) |
| Release Year |
2017 |
2020 |
| Current Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
~$90+ |
~$130+ |
| Chipset |
A9 |
A12 Bionic |
| Performance (2026) |
Very basic |
Smooth & responsive |
| Display |
9.7" Retina |
10.2" Retina |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
| Smart Keyboard Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Front Camera |
1.2MP |
1.2MP |
| Rear Camera |
8MP |
8MP |
| Touch ID |
Home button |
Home button |
| Latest iPadOS Supported |
iPadOS 15 (capped) |
iPadOS 26 |
| Security Updates |
Limited |
Yes |
| Expected Longevity |
Very limited |
Several more years |
Key Differences That Matter in 2026
Software Support (Biggest Difference)
- iPad 5th Gen: Capped at iPadOS 15
- iPad 8th Gen: Fully supports iPadOS 26
This affects app compatibility, security updates, new features, and overall usability. In 2026, software support is the single most important factor when buying an older iPad.
Performance
The A12 Bionic in the iPad 8th Gen is dramatically faster than the A9 chip in the iPad 5th Gen. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and the device remains responsive even with newer apps. The performance gap is noticeable in everyday use.
Display / Screen Size
- iPad 5th Gen: 9.7-inch Retina display
- iPad 8th Gen: 10.2-inch Retina display
The larger screen on the iPad 8th Gen makes a real difference for reading, note-taking, split-screen multitasking, and watching videos — especially for students and productivity-focused users.
Longevity & Value
Spending about $40 more doesn’t just get you a newer iPad — it buys multiple additional years of usability. Over time, the iPad 8th Gen is actually cheaper to own because you won’t need to replace it nearly as soon.
UpTrade Recommendation
If you’re shopping for a budget iPad in 2026, the Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) is the smart choice. The iPad 5th Gen may look cheaper upfront, but the iPad 8th Gen offers far better value, longer software support, and a much safer buying decision.
Final Verdict — Is the iPad 5th Gen (2017) Still Worth Buying in 2026?
No — the iPad 5th Gen (2017) is not worth buying in 2026, even at $90+ Certified Used / Refurbished pricing.
While the ultra-low price is tempting, the lack of modern software support is a critical deal breaker. The iPad 5th Gen is capped at iPadOS 15, which was released in 2022, and has been excluded from all newer versions up to iPadOS 26. Although Apple has continued issuing limited security patches — with the most recent being iPadOS 16.7.12 in September 2025 — this is security-only support, not full platform support.
In practical terms, this means declining app compatibility, missing features, and a very short remaining usable lifespan. Any money saved upfront is likely to be lost quickly when the device becomes unusable for modern apps.
UpTrade’s recommendation is clear:
Skip the iPad 5th Gen in 2026. Instead, spend a little more on a Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) starting around $130+. The iPad 8th Gen supports iPadOS 26, delivers much better performance, and will remain usable for years longer — making it the smarter long-term purchase for budget-conscious buyers.
FAQs — iPad 5th Gen (2017) in 2026
1. Is the iPad 5th Gen outdated?
Yes. In 2026, the iPad 5th Gen is considered outdated because it no longer supports modern iPadOS versions. It is capped at iPadOS 15 and excluded from newer releases like iPadOS 26.
2. What iPadOS does the iPad 5th Gen run?
The iPad 5th Gen runs up to iPadOS 15, which is the final major version it supports. It cannot be updated to iPadOS 16 or later versions, including iPadOS 26.
3. Is the iPad 5th Gen still supported in 2026?
Only partially. Apple still provides limited security updates, but the device does not receive new features or full platform updates. This is known as security-only support.
4. How long will the iPad 5th Gen be supported?
It doesn’t support the latest iPadOS 26 and is capped at iPadOS 15, but Apple may still send security updates for the iPad 5th Gen. Apple has not published an official end date for security updates, but based on past patterns, support may end in 2026.
5. Is $90 a good price for the iPad 5th Gen in 2026?
It’s cheap, but not good value. The low price does not offset the lack of software support and the very limited remaining lifespan.
6. Is the iPad 5th Gen still usable for basic tasks?
It can still handle very basic tasks like streaming, light web browsing, and reading. However, app compatibility will continue to decline, making it a poor choice for new buyers.
7. Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad 5th Gen?
From a hardware perspective, Certified Used or Refurbished units are generally safe. The issue is software longevity, which is why the iPad 5th Gen is not recommended despite the low price.
8. Should I buy the iPad 5th Gen or iPad 8th Gen in 2026?
You should buy the iPad 8th Gen (2020). For about $40 more, it supports iPadOS 26, performs significantly better, and will remain usable for several more years.
9. Who should still consider the iPad 5th Gen?
Only users who need a very cheap secondary device, a short-term tablet for kids, or a media-only device with minimal expectations. Most buyers should avoid it.
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