Is It Worth Buying iPad 7th Generation in 2025
Introduction
The iPad 7th Generation, launched in 2019, was Apple’s first entry-level iPad to feature a larger 10.2-inch display, making it a popular choice for students and casual users. Fast forward to 2025, and you can now find Certified Used or Refurbished units for a fraction of their original cost. On the surface, the low price makes it look like a smart budget buy.
However, while the iPad 7th Gen may still handle basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and note-taking, there are important limitations that make it a poor investment today. Outdated software support, aging hardware, and better alternatives at nearly the same price mean this model is no longer worth buying in 2025.
Price of iPad 7th Generation in 2025
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, a Certified Used or Refurbished iPad 7th Generation starts around $120+ in 2025. That’s a steep drop from its original $329 launch price, making it one of the cheapest iPads available.
But here’s the catch: our Price Tracker shows that, for about the same $120, you can often find the iPad 8th Generation — a much more powerful model that supports the latest iPadOS 26 and will remain relevant for years longer. This makes the 7th Gen’s low price far less attractive once you compare it to its successor.
iPadOS Support for iPad 7th Generation
One of the biggest drawbacks of the iPad 7th Generation in 2025 is that it does not support Apple’s latest iPadOS 26. This means it will miss out on new features, improved performance, and expanded app compatibility that come with the newest iPadOS releases.
That said, Apple may still provide security updates for a limited time, which helps keep the device safe for basic use. However, without access to the latest iPadOS, the iPad 7th Gen will gradually feel more outdated as apps and features move forward — leaving users with a more restricted experience.
Why the iPad 7th Generation Is No Longer Worth It
While the low price may tempt budget shoppers, the iPad 7th Gen simply doesn’t hold up in 2025. Here’s why:
- No Full iPadOS Support: It won’t run iPadOS 26, meaning no access to the latest features or improvements, even if it continues receiving occasional security patches.
- Aging Hardware: Powered by the A10 Fusion chip, it struggles with multitasking, modern games, and newer productivity apps.
- Battery Wear: Many refurbished 7th Gen units already have years of usage, and battery replacements may not always match original Apple quality.
- Better Alternatives Exist: The iPad 8th Gen, with its A12 Bionic chip and full iPadOS 26 support, is often available for the same $120+ — making it a far better long-term option.
In short: the iPad 7th Gen can still work for simple tasks like web browsing, streaming, or note-taking, but compared to the 8th Gen, it offers much less value and future usability.
iPad 7th Generation vs. iPad 8th Generation
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPad 7th Generation | iPad 8th Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2019 | September 2020 |
| Display | 10.2" Retina, 2160×1620 | 10.2" Retina, 2160×1620 |
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A12 Bionic with Neural Engine |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB |
| Camera (Rear) | 8MP | 8MP |
| Camera (Front) | 1.2MP | 1.2MP |
| Apple Pencil Support | 1st Gen | 1st Gen |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | Smart Keyboard |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| iPadOS Support (2025) | Up to iPadOS 15, may still get security updates | Full iPadOS 26 support |
| Current Price (Certified Used) | $120+ | $120+ |
Key Differences Explained
Performance:
The iPad 8th Gen is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster and more efficient than the older A10 Fusion found in the 7th Gen. This means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and much better performance for games and productivity apps. The A12 also includes the Neural Engine, which improves machine learning tasks like photo editing and AR apps.
iPadOS Support:
The 7th Gen is capped below iPadOS 26, though it may continue to receive occasional security updates. The 8th Gen, by contrast, fully supports iPadOS 26 and will continue to receive both feature updates and security patches for years. This makes a huge difference for app compatibility and long-term usability.
Long-Term Usability:
While both models share the same display, storage options, and accessory support, the 8th Gen’s more modern processor and ongoing iPadOS support make it a much better device for students, families, and budget buyers who want something that won’t feel outdated in just a year or two.
Recommendation
At the same $120 price point, the iPad 8th Generation is the clear winner. It delivers faster performance, better software support, and longer usability, making it a far smarter investment than the iPad 7th Gen in 2025.
Other Alternatives to Consider
If your budget allows, there are newer iPad models beyond the 8th Gen that provide even better performance and longevity.
iPad 9th Generation (Starting at $220+)
Released in September 2021, the iPad 9th Gen comes with the A13 Bionic chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 11. It delivers faster performance than the iPad 8th Gen’s A12, while retaining the same 10.2" Retina display and support for the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. It also has a 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera with Center Stage, making it ideal for video calls and remote learning. With full iPadOS 26 support and years of updates ahead, it’s a great choice if you want something more future-proof without spending too much more.
iPad 10th Generation (Starting at $260+)
Launched in October 2022, the iPad 10th Gen introduced a modern redesign with a larger 10.9" Liquid Retina display, slim bezels, and a USB-C port instead of Lightning. Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, it’s more capable than the iPad 9th Gen and supports the latest iPadOS 26 with room for many years of updates. It also moves the front camera to the landscape edge, a much better position for video calls. The only drawback is that it requires the newer Magic Keyboard Folio and supports only the 1st Gen Apple Pencil (via adapter), which can add to the cost.
Recommendation:
If you want the best value under $150, stick with the iPad 8th Gen. But if you can spend a little more, the iPad 9th Gen offers the best balance of performance and price, while the iPad 10th Gen is worth considering if you want a more modern design and longer-term software support.
Conclusion: Skip the iPad 7th Gen — Go for the 8th Gen or Newer
While the iPad 7th Generation may seem like a bargain at $120+, it’s simply not a good long-term buy in 2025. With no iPadOS 26 support and only limited security updates, it will feel outdated quickly and struggle with modern apps and features.
For the same price, the iPad 8th Generation is a far better option, thanks to its faster A12 Bionic chip and ongoing full iPadOS support. If you have a bit more room in your budget, the iPad 9th Gen (starting at $220+) offers even better performance and a much-improved front camera, while the iPad 10th Gen (starting at $260+) gives you a modern design and USB-C connectivity.
In short: if you’re buying in 2025, skip the iPad 7th Gen. Go for the 8th Gen or newer to ensure your money is well spent on a tablet that will remain secure, compatible, and enjoyable to use.
FAQ: Buying the iPad 7th Generation in 2025
1. How much does the iPad 7th Generation cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPad 7th Gen models start around $120+.
2. Does the iPad 7th Generation support iPadOS 26?
No. It is capped iPadOS 18, though it may still receive limited security updates.
3. Is the iPad 7th Generation good for kids or students in 2025?
It can handle basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, or note-taking, but the lack of iPadOS 26 support limits its long-term usability. The iPad 8th Gen is a better choice at the same price.
4. What’s the difference between iPad 7th Gen and iPad 8th Gen?
The iPad 8th Gen has the faster A12 Bionic chip and supports iPadOS 26, giving it much better performance and longer software support.
5. Which iPad should I buy instead of the 7th Gen?
We recommend the iPad 8th Gen as the best budget-friendly option in 2025. If you can spend more, the iPad 9th Gen and 10th Gen offer stronger performance and longer usability.
6. How long will the iPad 7th Generation be usable?
It will still work for basic tasks, but without major updates, it will feel outdated within 1–2 years.
7. Is a refurbished iPad 7th Generation safe to buy?
Yes, if purchased Certified Refurbished from a trusted seller. However, given the lack of iPadOS 26 support, we don’t recommend it compared to newer options.
