Introduction — Is iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation (2021) marked a major turning point for Apple’s iPad lineup. It was the first iPad Pro to feature Apple’s own M-series chipset, bringing desktop-class performance to a thin, portable tablet. Fast-forward to 2026, and many buyers are now asking whether this M1-powered iPad Pro is still worth buying — especially in the Certified Used / Refurbished market.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen in 2026?
Yes — the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) is absolutely worth buying in 2026, and we highly recommend it.
Why it’s a great buy in 2026:
- Supports iPadOS 26, ensuring modern features, security updates, and app compatibility
- Powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which still delivers excellent performance in 2026
- Often priced around the same as the 2nd Gen, but with significantly better performance and longevity
- $100+ cheaper than the 4th Gen, with minimal real-world differences for most users
What to keep in mind:
- It’s no longer the newest iPad Pro model
- Most users won’t notice a major performance gap compared to newer M-series iPads for everyday tasks
UpTrade takeaway:
If you’re shopping for a high-performance iPad Pro in 2026 and want the best balance of power, longevity, and price, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) is one of the smartest choices available today — especially when purchased Certified Used or Refurbished.
Why the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen Hits the Sweet Spot in 2026
The iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) sits in a rare position in Apple’s lineup in 2026: it delivers Apple Silicon performance at a price that’s no longer “Pro-expensive.”
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished units start at around $440+, which places it:
- Roughly the same price as the 2nd Gen (2020)
- About $100 cheaper than the 4th Gen (2022)
Yet despite this pricing, the real-world experience tells a different story.
This was the first iPad Pro to transition from A-series chips to Apple’s M1, and that single change dramatically altered performance, multitasking capabilities, and long-term software support. In practical terms, it means this iPad Pro behaves more like a laptop-class device than a traditional tablet — even in 2026.
For buyers who want ProMotion, Thunderbolt, Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support, and serious performance — without paying for the newest model — the 3rd Gen hits the perfect balance between price and future-proofing.
Performance & Hardware — Why the M1 Still Matters in 2026
The M1 chip is the single biggest reason the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen remains such a strong buy.
Even in 2026, the M1:
- Handles heavy multitasking effortlessly
- Runs professional apps like video editors, design tools, and productivity suites smoothly
- Supports external displays and advanced workflows
- Delivers consistent performance without thermal throttling
For everyday users, this means the device feels fast, fluid, and responsive, even under load. For power users, it means the iPad Pro can genuinely replace a laptop for many workflows.
Compared to A-series iPad Pros, the M1 also ages far more gracefully. Apps continue to be optimized for Apple Silicon, which gives this model a longer useful lifespan than older Pro generations.
In short, while newer M-series chips exist, the M1 remains more than powerful enough for nearly all iPad use cases in 2026 — making the 3rd Gen an excellent value pick.
Software Support & Longevity — iPadOS 26 and Beyond
Another major reason we recommend the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen is software support.
The device fully supports iPadOS 26, ensuring:
- Ongoing security updates
- Full app compatibility
- Access to the latest multitasking and productivity features
Apple has consistently provided longer software support for M-series iPads than older A-series models. Because the 3rd Gen uses the M1, it is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years beyond 2026.
For buyers planning to keep their device long-term, this matters just as much as raw performance. A supported device remains safer, more capable, and holds resale value far better over time.
iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) vs 2nd Gen (2020)
At first glance, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) and 2nd Gen (2020) look nearly identical. They share the same design, display size, and accessories. However, under the hood, there is one massive difference that completely changes long-term value in 2026.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished prices for the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen are often very close, which makes the comparison especially important for buyers trying to maximize value.
Specs Comparison — iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen vs 2nd Gen
| Feature |
iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd Gen (2020) |
iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) |
| Release Year |
2020 |
2021 |
| Chipset |
A12Z Bionic |
Apple M1 |
| Performance Class (2026) |
High, but aging |
Excellent, Apple Silicon |
| Display |
11" Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
11" Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
| RAM |
6GB |
8GB (base models) |
| Storage Options |
128GB–1TB |
128GB–2TB |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
| Keyboard Support |
Magic Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| USB Port |
USB-C |
Thunderbolt / USB-4 |
| External Display Support |
Limited |
Much stronger |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6 / LTE |
Wi-Fi 6 / 5G |
| Latest iPadOS Supported |
iPadOS 26 |
iPadOS 26 |
| Expected Longevity |
Shorter |
Significantly longer |
| Typical Price (2026) |
~$430–$450+ |
~$440+ |
Key Differences That Matter in 2026
Apple Silicon vs A-Series (Biggest Difference)
The M1 chip in the 3rd Gen is the single most important upgrade. While the A12Z was powerful in its time, Apple’s software and apps are increasingly optimized for Apple Silicon.
In real-world terms:
- The 3rd Gen feels faster and smoother under load
- Multitasking is noticeably better
- Pro apps run more efficiently
- The device ages far more gracefully
If prices are similar, choosing the 2nd Gen over the M1-powered 3rd Gen simply doesn’t make sense.
Performance & Multitasking
In 2026, both iPads still feel fast for basic tasks. However, once you push the device — split-screen multitasking, external displays, creative apps, or heavy productivity — the M1 chip clearly pulls ahead.
The 3rd Gen is much better suited for:
- Laptop-style workflows
- Extended multitasking
- Creative and professional apps
Connectivity & I/O
Another major advantage of the 3rd Gen is Thunderbolt / USB-4 support. This enables:
- Faster data transfer
- Better external display support
- More capable docking and accessory setups
The 2nd Gen’s USB-C port feels increasingly limiting by comparison.
Longevity & Software Support
Both models support iPadOS 26, but their future outlook is very different.
Because the 3rd Gen uses Apple Silicon, it is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for longer than the A12Z-based 2nd Gen. That translates into:
- Longer usable lifespan
- Better resale value
- Less risk of early obsolescence
Value Comparison
With Certified Used / Refurbished pricing often within $20–$30 of each other, the 3rd Gen delivers dramatically better value per dollar.
iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) vs 4th Gen (2022)
The iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) and 4th Gen (2022) are much closer than their model years suggest. In fact, for most buyers in 2026, the differences are far smaller than the price gap — which is why this comparison matters.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen models typically cost around $100 more than the 3rd Gen. At the same time, both models offer Apple Silicon performance, ProMotion displays, and support for iPadOS 26.
Specs Comparison — iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen
| Feature |
iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) |
iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen (2022) |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2022 |
| Chipset |
Apple M1 |
Apple M2 |
| Performance Class (2026) |
Excellent |
Slightly faster |
| Display |
11" Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
11" Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
| RAM |
8GB (base models) |
8GB (base models) |
| Storage Options |
128GB–2TB |
128GB–2TB |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
| Keyboard Support |
Magic Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| USB Port |
Thunderbolt / USB-4 |
Thunderbolt / USB-4 |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6 / 5G |
Wi-Fi 6E / 5G |
| Latest iPadOS Supported |
iPadOS 26 |
iPadOS 26 |
| Expected Longevity |
Long |
Slightly longer |
| Typical Price (2026) |
~$440+ |
~$540+ |
Key Differences That Matter in 2026
M1 vs M2 Performance
The M2 chip in the 4th Gen is faster on paper, but the real-world difference in 2026 is minor for most users.
For everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, multitasking, and productivity apps, both models feel equally fast and fluid. Unless you’re doing sustained heavy workloads like large video renders or advanced 3D work, the M1 in the 3rd Gen remains more than powerful enough.
Display & Everyday Experience
Both models use the same 11-inch Liquid Retina display with 120Hz ProMotion. There is no mini-LED difference on the 11-inch models (that upgrade only applies to the 12.9-inch versions).
For most users, the viewing experience is essentially identical between the 3rd and 4th Gen.
Connectivity Improvements
The 4th Gen introduces Wi-Fi 6E, while the 3rd Gen uses Wi-Fi 6. This is a technical upgrade, but in real-world usage, the difference is minimal unless you have a compatible Wi-Fi 6E network.
Both models support Thunderbolt, external displays, and high-speed accessories.
Longevity & Software Support
Both models support iPadOS 26 and will continue receiving updates for years. The 4th Gen may receive updates slightly longer due to the newer chip, but the difference is unlikely to be meaningful for most buyers planning to keep the device through the late 2020s.
Value Comparison
This is where the 3rd Gen clearly wins. With the 4th Gen costing around $100 more in the Certified Used / Refurbished market, the performance and longevity gains simply don’t justify the price premium for most users.
Final Verdict — Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes — the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) is absolutely worth buying in 2026, and it’s one of the best-value iPad Pros available.
At a Certified Used / Refurbished starting price of around $440+, this model hits a rare sweet spot. It delivers Apple Silicon performance with the M1 chip, full support for iPadOS 26, ProMotion display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and excellent multitasking — all at a price that’s often similar to the older 2nd Gen and about $100 cheaper than the 4th Gen.
Compared to the 2nd Gen (2020), the 3rd Gen is a massive upgrade in performance and longevity for nearly the same price. Compared to the 4th Gen (2022), it offers almost the same real-world experience at a significantly lower cost. For most buyers, that makes the 3rd Gen the clear value winner.
FAQs — iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen (2021) in 2026
1. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen still good in 2026?
Yes. Thanks to the M1 chip and support for iPadOS 26, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen remains fast, smooth, and highly capable in 2026 for both everyday use and professional workloads.
2. How long will the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen be supported?
Apple does not publish exact timelines, but M1-powered iPads are expected to receive major iPadOS updates for several more years. The 3rd Gen should remain supported well into the late 2020s.
3. Is the M1 chip still powerful enough in 2026?
Absolutely. The M1 still delivers excellent performance for multitasking, creative apps, productivity, and even laptop-style workflows. Most users will not feel limited by the M1 in 2026.
4. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen better than the 2nd Gen (2020)?
Yes. The 3rd Gen is a much better choice. It offers Apple Silicon performance, Thunderbolt support, stronger multitasking, and a longer software support horizon — often for the same price as the 2nd Gen.
5. Is the iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen worth the extra money?
For most buyers, no. While the 4th Gen has the M2 chip, the real-world performance difference is small, and it typically costs about $100 more. The 3rd Gen delivers better value per dollar.
6. Does the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen support iPadOS 26?
Yes. It fully supports iPadOS 26, including the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
7. Is this iPad good for students or professionals?
Yes. With support for the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen works well for students, creatives, and professionals looking for a powerful laptop alternative.
8. Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen?
Yes — as long as you buy Certified Used or Refurbished units from trusted sellers. These devices are professionally tested, cleaned, and typically include a warranty, making them far safer than buying from individual sellers.
9. Who should buy the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen in 2026?
This model is ideal for buyers who want:
- M-series performance at a lower price
- Long-term software support
- ProMotion display and Thunderbolt connectivity
- A powerful iPad that won’t feel outdated anytime soon
For most buyers in 2026, it represents the best balance of performance, longevity, and value in the iPad Pro lineup.
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