Introduction
The iPad Pro 9.7-inch, released in 2016, was Apple’s first attempt at bringing Pro-level performance to a more compact form factor. With its Retina display, A9X chip, and support for the Apple Pencil, it was a groundbreaking device at the time. But now in 2025, the question remains: is the iPad Pro 9.7-inch still worth buying?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Pro 9.7-inch can be found for as low as $100. While the price looks tempting, the reality is that this device comes with serious limitations in terms of software support and performance. Let’s break down whether it’s worth the savings — or if you should look for a better alternative.
iPad Pro 9.7-inch in 2025 — Price and Features
As of 2025, the iPad Pro 9.7-inch is available for around $100 on the Certified Used and Refurbished market. This steep price drop makes it one of the most affordable “Pro” iPads you can buy today. Despite its age, the 9.7-inch model still offers a bright Retina display, solid speakers, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil.
Key features of the iPad Pro 9.7-inch include:
- 9.7-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Apple A9X processor with M9 coprocessor
- 12MP rear camera and 5MP front camera
- Apple Pencil (1st Gen) compatibility
- Original support for iPadOS multitasking features
On paper, this may seem like a great bargain for anyone looking for a cheap iPad. However, once we consider software limitations and hardware performance, the picture changes.
Limitations: Why It’s No Longer a Good Buy
While the iPad Pro 9.7-inch is inexpensive, it comes with several critical drawbacks that make it a poor choice in 2025:
- Outdated Software: The iPad Pro 9.7-inch is capped at iPadOS 16. It does not support iPadOS 26, which means it won’t receive the latest features, improvements, or long-term security updates.
- Performance Bottlenecks: Powered by the A9X chip, the device struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or even heavy browsing can feel sluggish.
- App Compatibility Issues: As developers update apps for iPadOS 26, older devices running iPadOS 16 will gradually lose access to new versions of popular apps.
- Limited Lifespan: Buying this iPad today means you’ll likely need to replace it within a year or two, negating the “savings” of its low upfront cost.
In short, the iPad Pro 9.7-inch has reached the end of its practical life. While it may serve for basic tasks like light browsing or streaming, it’s not a reliable or future-proof option in 2025.
Best Alternatives
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad Pro 9.7-inch |
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen) |
| Price (2025 Certified Used / Refurbished) |
$100+ |
$290+ |
| Display |
9.7-inch Retina |
11-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion (120Hz) |
| Processor |
A9X |
A12X Bionic |
| iPadOS Support |
iPadOS 16 (no updates) |
iPadOS 26 (fully supported) |
| Camera |
Rear: 12MP, Front: 5MP |
Rear: 12MP, Front: 7MP TrueDepth (Face ID) |
| Battery |
Up to 10 hours |
Up to 10 hours |
| Connector |
Lightning |
USB-C |
| Size and Weight |
9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 in, 0.96 lbs |
9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 in, 1.03 lbs |
| Features |
Touch ID, Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
Face ID, Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Smart Keyboard Folio |
Key Differences
Display Upgrade: The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion makes the iPad feel much smoother and more immersive than the smaller 9.7-inch Retina display.
Performance Leap: The A12X Bionic chip powers through demanding apps and multitasking, a major upgrade over the outdated A9X in the 9.7-inch.
Software Longevity: The 11-inch is fully supported on iPadOS 26, while the 9.7-inch is stuck on iPadOS 16, making it outdated and insecure.
Modern Accessories: With Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), USB-C, and Face ID, the 11-inch supports modern workflows that the 9.7-inch can’t match.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad Pro 9.7-inch |
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) |
| Price (2025 Certified Used / Refurbished) |
$100+ |
$320+ |
| Display |
9.7-inch Retina |
12.9-inch Liquid Retina with ProMotion (120Hz) |
| Processor |
A9X |
A12X Bionic |
| iPadOS Support |
iPadOS 16 (no updates) |
iPadOS 26 (fully supported) |
| Camera |
Rear: 12MP, Front: 5MP |
Rear: 12MP, Front: 7MP TrueDepth (Face ID) |
| Battery |
Up to 10 hours |
Up to 10 hours |
| Connector |
Lightning |
USB-C |
| Size and Weight |
9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 in, 0.96 lbs |
11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 in, 1.39 lbs |
| Features |
Touch ID, Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
Face ID, Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Smart Keyboard Folio |
Key Differences
Massive Display: The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display gives you nearly laptop-sized real estate compared to the compact 9.7-inch, ideal for multitasking and creative work.
Powerful Performance: The A12X Bionic chip in the 12.9-inch outperforms the A9X dramatically, handling professional apps with ease.
Future-Proof Software: The 12.9-inch is fully supported with iPadOS 26, while the 9.7-inch is cut off at iPadOS 16.
Pro-Level Accessories: With Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), Face ID, and USB-C, the 12.9-inch has modern features that the outdated 9.7-inch can’t match.
Conclusion — Is the iPad Pro 9.7-inch Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPad Pro 9.7-inch may look appealing at just $100 in 2025, but its outdated hardware and lack of iPadOS 26 support make it a poor long-term choice. Without ongoing software updates, buyers face security risks, shrinking app compatibility, and sluggish performance.
Instead, the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) offer far better value. For around $290–$320, both models deliver modern hardware, Face ID, Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support, USB-C, and most importantly, full iPadOS 26 compatibility. That makes them future-proof options for students, professionals, and everyday users who want a device that will last.
If you’re upgrading in 2025, skip the 9.7-inch model and go for the 11-inch or 12.9-inch instead — you’ll spend a little more, but get years of extra life and performance in return.
FAQ: Buying the iPad Pro 9.7-inch in 2025
1. How much is the iPad Pro 9.7-inch worth in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Pro 9.7-inch models typically sell for around $100. While that’s cheap, the device is limited by old hardware and outdated software.
2. How old is the iPad Pro 9.7-inch?
The iPad Pro 9.7-inch was released in March 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.
3. Is the Apple iPad Pro 9.7 still supported?
No. Apple officially stopped major updates for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and it is now limited to iPadOS 16.
4. What iPad is equivalent to the 9.7-inch Pro?
The closest equivalent is the iPad 6th Generation (2018), which has a similar 9.7-inch screen size and Apple Pencil (1st Gen) support. However, the Pro version originally offered better speakers, cameras, and performance.
5. Will the iPad Pro 9.7 get iPadOS 26?
No. The iPad Pro 9.7-inch does not support iPadOS 26. It is capped at iPadOS 16 and will not receive future updates.
6. Does the iPad Pro 9.7-inch still get updates?
No. Since it cannot run iPadOS 26, the iPad Pro 9.7-inch no longer receives major updates or the newest iPadOS features.
7. Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad Pro 9.7-inch?
It depends on your needs. For light tasks like browsing or streaming, it may still work. However, without security updates and app compatibility, it’s not recommended as a main device.
8. What’s the best alternative to the iPad Pro 9.7-inch?
The best choices are the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Gen) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen). Both are priced under $330, run iPadOS 26, and have modern features like Face ID, USB-C, and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support.
9. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished iPads?
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPads from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple.
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