Is It Still Worth Buying iPad Air 2nd Gen in 2025
Introduction
The iPad Air 2nd Gen, released in 2014, was one of Apple’s most popular tablets of its time. Known for its thin and lightweight design, Retina display, and strong performance powered by the A8X chip, it set a new standard for portable productivity. For years, it remained a favorite among students, professionals, and casual users who wanted an affordable entry into Apple’s iPad lineup.
Fast forward to 2025, iPad Air 2 is still available on the refurbished market, tempting buyers with its low price tag. But with over a decade since its release, the real question is whether the iPad Air 2nd Gen is still worth buying today.
iPad Air 2nd Gen in 2025 — Price and Features
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Air 2nd Gen models start at around $100+ in 2025, though inventory is becoming increasingly limited. This makes it one of the cheapest iPads still available on the refurbished market.
Key features of the iPad Air 2nd Gen include:
- 9.7-inch Retina Display
- Apple A8X processor with M8 motion coprocessor
- 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor
- Lightweight and ultra-thin design
On paper, these specs still allow for light browsing, streaming, and basic productivity tasks. However, when compared to newer iPads, the Air 2 clearly shows its age in both performance and software support.
Limitations of iPad Air 2nd Gen in 2025
While the iPad Air 2nd Gen might look appealing at around $100+, its drawbacks in 2025 far outweigh the low cost. Here are the key limitations:
Outdated Software
The iPad Air 2 is capped at iPadOS 15 and will never support iPadOS 26. This means no access to Apple’s newest features, performance improvements, or long-term software updates.
End of Security Updates
Apple released a security update in March 2025, but it’s unclear whether future patches will follow. Support for the iPad Air 2 is uncertain going forward, leaving users vulnerable to losing critical security protections at any time.
Performance Bottlenecks
Powered by the A8X chip, the iPad Air 2 struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Even basic activities like browsing or streaming can feel sluggish compared to newer iPads.
App Compatibility Issues
As developers optimize apps for iPadOS 26 and beyond, the iPad Air 2 will face shrinking app support. Many popular apps may stop updating or fail to run altogether.
Age and Battery Wear
Released in 2014, the iPad Air 2 is now over 10 years old. Even refurbished models often come with degraded batteries and older components that limit daily usability.
In short, while the iPad Air 2nd Gen can handle light use, it is no longer a practical or future-proof choice in 2025.
Better Alternative — iPad Air 3rd Gen ($160+)
If you’re considering a refurbished iPad in 2025, the iPad Air 3rd Gen is a far better investment than the aging Air 2. Starting at around $160+ for Certified Used or Refurbished units, it offers stronger performance, modern features, and most importantly, full iPadOS 26 support.
Specs Comparison — iPad Air 2 vs iPad Air 3
| Feature | iPad Air 2nd Gen | iPad Air 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2014 | 2019 |
| Display | 9.7-inch Retina | 10.5-inch Retina with True Tone |
| Processor | A8X | A12 Bionic |
| iPadOS Support | iPadOS 15 (ended) | iPadOS 26 (fully supported) |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Apple Pencil Support | None | 1st Gen |
| Authentication | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Price in 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $100+ | $160+ |
Key Differences
Performance Boost
The Air 3’s A12 Bionic chip is dramatically faster than the A8X in the Air 2, making it much more capable for multitasking, gaming, and productivity apps.
iPadOS 26 Support
Unlike the Air 2, the Air 3 is fully supported on iPadOS 26 in 2025, ensuring continued updates, security patches, and app compatibility for several more years.
Bigger Display
The jump from a 9.7-inch screen to a 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone provides more space for work, reading, and media consumption without sacrificing portability.
Better Front Camera
The Air 3 upgrades the front camera from 1.2MP to 7MP, making it much better for FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, and online classes.
Apple Pencil Support
Unlike the Air 2, the Air 3 supports the Apple Pencil (1st Gen), adding versatility for students, professionals, and creatives.
In short, the iPad Air 3rd Gen is not only a modestly priced upgrade but also a much more reliable and future-proof tablet than the outdated Air 2.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the iPad Air 2nd Gen in 2025?
The iPad Air 2nd Gen might look like a bargain at $100+, but in 2025, it’s no longer a wise investment. With support ending at iPadOS 15 and uncertainty around future security updates, it faces shrinking app compatibility, security risks, and sluggish performance.
For just a little more, the iPad Air 3rd Gen ($160+) is a far better choice. It offers the same lightweight design with a larger display, much faster processor, improved cameras, and — most importantly — full support for iPadOS 26. That means years of updates, better performance, and stronger value for your money.
If you’re shopping for a refurbished iPad in 2025, skip the Air 2 and go with the Air 3 instead.
FAQ: Buying the iPad Air 2nd Gen in 2025
1. How much does the iPad Air 2 cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPad Air 2nd Gen models typically sell for around $100+, but supply is limited.
2. How old is the iPad Air 2nd generation?
The iPad Air 2 was released in 2014, making it more than 10 years old in 2025.
3. Is the iPad Air 2 too old?
Yes. With its outdated processor, limited memory, and lack of modern software support, the Air 2 is considered too old for most practical uses.
4. Is the iPad Air 2 still supported in 2025?
No. It’s capped at iPadOS 15 and will not receive iPadOS 26. Apple did release a security update in March 2025, but future patches remain uncertain.
5. Can the iPad Air 2 be updated to iOS 17?
No. iPads do not use iOS — they use iPadOS. The iPad Air 2 is capped at iPadOS 15 and cannot update to any newer version.
6. What is the highest iOS for iPad Air 2?
Technically, iPads run iPadOS, not iOS. The iPad Air 2 is capped at iPadOS 15. It received a security update in March 2025, but future updates are uncertain.
7. Is the iPad Air 2 outdated in 2025?
Yes. At over 10 years old, the Air 2 is outdated, with weak performance, outdated software, and shrinking app compatibility.
8. Is the iPad Air 2 still usable in 2025?
Yes, but only for very light tasks like reading, streaming, or basic web browsing. It is not suitable for gaming, professional apps, or heavy multitasking.
9. What are the best uses for an iPad Air 2?
The Air 2 can still work for simple activities such as reading eBooks, watching videos, or browsing basic websites. Anything beyond light use will feel slow and limited.
10. Does the iPad Air 2 support the Apple Pencil?
No. The iPad Air 2 does not support the Apple Pencil. The iPad Air 3, however, supports the Apple Pencil (1st Gen).
11. What’s the best alternative to the iPad Air 2?
The iPad Air 3rd Gen, starting at $160+, is the best upgrade. It has a faster A12 Bionic chip, bigger display, better cameras, Apple Pencil support, and full iPadOS 26 compatibility.
12. How long will the iPad Air 3 last?
With iPadOS 26 support in 2025, the iPad Air 3 is expected to receive updates for several more years, making it a reliable long-term option.
13. Is it worth buying a refurbished iPad Air 2 in 2025?
No. Due to outdated software, slower performance, and aging hardware, the iPad Air 2 is not recommended. Spending a little more for the Air 3 is a smarter investment.
