Introduction — Is iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) Still Worth Buying in 2026?
In 2026, many buyers searching for an iPad are tempted by very old models because they appear super cheap on the surface. The iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) often comes up in these searches — especially for buyers looking for a basic tablet at the lowest possible price.
However, age alone isn’t the real issue. Software support and security updates are what matter most when deciding whether an iPad is still worth buying.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, there is no Certified Used / Refurbished stock of the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) available in the market today. Professional refurbishers have stopped selling it because Apple has officially ended software and security support for this model. In fact, the last security update was released in January 2023.
While you may still find individual listings on platforms like eBay or Craigslist, these units are not supported, not certified, and often come with degraded hardware and zero warranty. That makes the iPad Air 1st Gen a risky and impractical purchase in 2026.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad Air 1st Gen in 2026?
No — the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) is not worth buying in 2026.
The lack of software and security support alone makes it a poor choice. Without updates, the device is increasingly incompatible with modern apps, vulnerable to security risks, and frustrating to use for everyday tasks like browsing, email, streaming, or education.
Because of these limitations, Certified Used / Refurbished resellers no longer carry this model, and for good reason. Any remaining units found through individual sellers may look cheap upfront, but they often cost more in the long run due to poor performance, limited app support, and unreliable hardware.
UpTrade recommendation:
Skip the iPad Air 1st Gen entirely. Instead, we recommend the Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) starting around $170+. It supports the latest iPadOS 26, remains secure, runs modern apps smoothly, and delivers far better long-term value at a surprisingly low price.
Why the iPad Air 1st Gen Is No Longer Worth Buying in 2026
The biggest reason to avoid the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) in 2026 comes down to software and security support.
Apple officially stopped supporting this model years ago, and the final security update was released in January 2023. Since then, the device has received no additional patches, bug fixes, or compatibility updates.
End of Software & Security Updates
Without ongoing updates, the iPad Air 1st Gen faces several unavoidable problems:
- Security risks
Vulnerabilities discovered after January 2023 are never patched, making the device unsafe for email, browsing, banking, or kids’ use.
- App incompatibility
Many modern apps already require newer iPadOS versions. Over time, even basic apps stop installing or functioning properly.
- Poor web experience
Modern websites and services are increasingly optimized for newer operating systems, leading to slow performance, broken layouts, or unsupported features.
In short, even if the hardware still turns on, the software experience is effectively frozen in the past.
No Certified Used / Refurbished Availability
Another major red flag is availability — or lack of it.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, there is no Certified Used / Refurbished stock of the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) available from trusted sellers. This isn’t a coincidence.
Professional refurbishers stop carrying devices when:
- Apple ends software and security support
- The devices are no longer safe or reliable to resell
- Replacement parts and batteries become unreliable
If certified sellers won’t stand behind a product, that’s a strong signal consumers should avoid it as well.
Why Buying One From eBay or Craigslist Is a Bad Idea
You may still find the iPad Air 1st Gen listed on peer-to-peer marketplaces, but that doesn’t make it a good purchase.
No Warranty or Protection
Individual sellers typically offer:
- No warranty
- No returns
- No professional testing
If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
Degraded Hardware
At over a decade old, most units suffer from:
- Severely degraded batteries
- Worn-out charging ports
- Screen discoloration or dead pixels
- Slower performance due to aging components
False “Cheap Deal” Trap
Even if you find one at a very low price, the value simply isn’t there. A cheap device that can’t run modern apps or receive security updates quickly becomes unusable, and money is wasted.
This is exactly why UpTrade does not list or recommend this model.
Better Alternative — iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019)
If you’re considering the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) in 2026 because it looks inexpensive, there’s a much smarter option that actually makes sense: the iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019).
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Air 3rd Gen models start around $170+ — often for less money than unsupported, decade-old devices sold by individual sellers.
At this price point, the iPad Air 3rd Gen delivers what the 1st Gen no longer can: modern software support, security updates, and real usability in 2026.
iPad Air 1st Gen vs iPad Air 3rd Gen — Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) |
iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) |
| Release Year |
2013 |
2019 |
| Chipset |
Apple A7 |
Apple A12 Bionic |
| Performance (2026) |
Very limited |
Smooth, everyday capable |
| Display |
9.7-inch Retina |
10.5-inch Retina |
| Refresh Rate |
60Hz |
60Hz |
| Touch ID |
Yes (older generation) |
Yes |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Not supported |
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
| Charging Port |
Lightning |
Lightning |
| Latest iPadOS Supported |
iOS 12 (ended) |
iPadOS 26 |
| Security Updates |
Ended Jan 2023 |
Ongoing |
| App Compatibility |
Very limited |
Full modern app support |
| Typical Price (2026) |
Unreliable / unsupported |
~$170+ Certified Used |
Key Differences That Matter in 2026
Software Support — The Deal Breaker
This is the most important difference by far.
- iPad Air 1st Gen: No longer supported, no security updates, increasingly incompatible with apps and websites
- iPad Air 3rd Gen: Fully supports iPadOS 26, receives security updates, and remains safe for daily use
In 2026, software support matters more than raw hardware age or price.
Performance — Night and Day Difference
The A12 Bionic chip in the iPad Air 3rd Gen is multiple generations ahead of the A7 found in the 1st Gen.
In real-world use:
- Browsing, streaming, email, and productivity apps run smoothly
- Multitasking is usable and responsive
- Apps launch quickly and don’t crash due to OS limitations
By contrast, the 1st Gen struggles with even basic modern tasks.
Display & Usability
- The 10.5-inch display on the Air 3 is larger, brighter, and more comfortable for reading, browsing, and media
- Better speakers and overall responsiveness make it feel like a modern iPad
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support adds real versatility for students and note-takers
Availability & Safety
- iPad Air 1st Gen: No Certified Used / Refurbished stock, only risky individual sellers
- iPad Air 3rd Gen: Widely available from certified sellers with testing, warranties, and return policies
That difference alone makes the Air 3 the safer and smarter purchase.
Conclusion — Is iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) Still Worth Buying in 2026?
No — the iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) is not worth buying in 2026.
While it may appear inexpensive at first glance, the reality is that this model has been fully unsupported by Apple for years. The last security update was released in January 2023, and it does not support modern versions of iPadOS. As a result, it’s increasingly incompatible with apps, unsafe for everyday online use, and frustrating to rely on as a primary device.
That’s also why there is no Certified Used / Refurbished inventory available from professional sellers. Any remaining units found on platforms like eBay or Craigslist come with no warranty, degraded hardware, and zero long-term value.
Our recommendation:
Skip the iPad Air 1st Gen entirely. Instead, choose a Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) starting around $170+. It supports iPadOS 26, receives ongoing security updates, runs modern apps smoothly, and delivers dramatically better value for only a modest cost. In 2026, software support and safety matter far more than how cheap a device looks on paper.
FAQs — iPad Air 1st Gen (2013) in 2026
1. Is the iPad Air 1st Gen still usable in 2026?
Not realistically. While the device may still power on, its outdated software, lack of security updates, and app incompatibility make it impractical for everyday use in 2026.
2. Does the iPad Air 1st Gen support iPadOS 26?
No. The iPad Air 1st Gen does not support modern versions of iPadOS, including iPadOS 26.
3. When was the last security update for the iPad Air 1st Gen?
The final security update for the iPad Air 1st Gen was released in January 2023. It has received no updates since then.
4. Is it safe to use the iPad Air 1st Gen for browsing or email?
No. Without ongoing security updates, the device is vulnerable to security risks and should not be used for sensitive activities like email, online accounts, or banking.
5. Why doesn’t UpTrade list the iPad Air 1st Gen?
UpTrade only lists Certified Used and Refurbished devices from trusted sellers. Because there is no certified inventory available for the iPad Air 1st Gen, it is not listed on UpTrade.
6. Is it a good idea to buy one from eBay or Craigslist?
No. Devices sold by individual sellers typically have no warranty, degraded batteries, unknown condition, and no software support. Even at a low price, it’s poor value.
7. What is the cheapest iPad Air worth buying in 2026?
The iPad Air 3rd Gen (2019) is the cheapest iPad Air we recommend in 2026. Certified Used / Refurbished models start at around $170+ and fully support iPadOS 26.
8. How much better is the iPad Air 3rd Gen compared to the 1st Gen?
Significantly better. The iPad Air 3rd Gen offers modern performance, Apple Pencil support, full app compatibility, ongoing security updates, and a much better overall experience.
9. Is the iPad Air 3rd Gen still safe to buy in 2026?
Yes. When purchased Certified Used or Refurbished from trusted sellers, it is safe, supported, and suitable for everyday use.
10. Who should absolutely avoid the iPad Air 1st Gen in 2026?
Everyone. Students, families, casual users, and budget buyers alike are better served by newer, supported models that offer real usability and long-term value.
Sale
