Apple sells four iPad lines, and more than a dozen generations still get updates. That range is good news for used buyers, especially after Apple raised new iPad prices by $100 to $200 in June 2026. This guide ranks every iPad that runs iPadOS 27 by used value, with current Swappa prices, Apple Pencil compatibility, and the older models to skip.
Quick Answer
The iPad Air (M1, 2022) is the best used iPad for most buyers in 2026. It sells for about $314 on Swappa, runs iPadOS 27 and Apple Intelligence, and works with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The iPad (A16) is the best base iPad at about $339 with 128GB, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the best small iPad at about $411, and the iPad (9th gen) is the cheapest iPad still supported, at about $162. Skip anything iPadOS 27 dropped, including the iPad (8th gen), iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), and the 2018 iPad Pro.
Every Used iPad on iPadOS 27, Ranked
This ranking is by value for most buyers, not raw power. Prices are Swappa’s average sale price for the base storage size on September 24, 2026, and they move with condition, storage, Wi-Fi or cellular, and demand. Where a model comes in two sizes, the price is for the smaller one.
| Rank | Model (Year) | Avg. Sale on Swappa | Launch Price | Apple Intelligence | Apple Pencil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPad Air (M1) (2022) | $314 (64GB) | $599 | Yes | 2nd gen, USB-C | Best overall |
| 2 | iPad (A16) (2025) | $339 (128GB) | $349 | No | USB-C, 1st gen with adapter | Best base iPad |
| 3 | iPad Air 11″ (M2) (2024) | $462 (128GB) | $599 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Best value with Pencil Pro |
| 4 | iPad mini (A17 Pro) (2024) | $411 (128GB) | $499 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Best small iPad |
| 5 | iPad Air (4th gen) (2020) | $245 (64GB) | $599 | No | 2nd gen, USB-C | Best under $250 |
| 6 | iPad Pro 11″ (M4) (2024) | $765 (256GB) | $999 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Best Pro value |
| 7 | iPad (10th gen) (2022) | $300 (64GB) | $449 | No | USB-C, 1st gen with adapter | Solid entry pick |
| 8 | iPad Air 11″ (M3) (2025) | $493 (128GB) | $599 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Small step up from the M2 |
| 9 | iPad (9th gen) (2021) | $162 (64GB) | $329 | No | 1st gen | Cheapest supported |
| 10 | iPad mini (6th gen) (2021) | $282 (64GB) | $499 | No | 2nd gen, USB-C | Best mini value |
| 11 | iPad Pro 11″ (M2) (2022) | $493 (128GB) | $799 | Yes | 2nd gen, USB-C | Power-user value |
| 12 | iPad Air 11″ (M4) (2026) | $560 (128GB) | $599 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Newest Air |
| 13 | iPad Pro 11″ (M1) (2021) | $443 (128GB) | $799 | Yes | 2nd gen, USB-C | Cheapest M-chip Pro |
| 14 | iPad Pro 11″ (M5) (2025) | Few sales yet | $999 | Yes | Pro, USB-C | Newest Pro |
| 15 | iPad Pro 11″ (2nd gen) (2020) | $346 (128GB) | $799 | No | 2nd gen, USB-C | Short runway |
Launch prices are Apple’s US starting prices at release. Apple raised prices on its current iPads on June 25, 2026, so new models now cost more than their launch price. Check current Swappa prices for the exact model before you buy.
How Long iPads Stay Supported
Software support is the most important thing to check on a used iPad. Apple released iPadOS 27 on September 14, 2026, and it runs on these models:
| iPad Line | Runs iPadOS 27 | Dropped by iPadOS 27 |
|---|---|---|
| iPad | 9th gen, 10th gen, and iPad (A16) | 8th gen and older |
| iPad Air | 4th gen (2020) and newer | 3rd gen (2019) and older |
| iPad mini | 6th gen (2021) and newer | 5th gen (2019) and older |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | 2nd gen (2020) and newer | 1st gen (2018) |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch and 13-inch | 12.9-inch 4th gen (2020) and newer, plus the 13-inch models | 12.9-inch 3rd gen (2018) and older |
Apple does not publish a fixed support window, but iPads have typically received major iPadOS updates for about five to seven years. A dropped iPad keeps working, but it stops getting new features, and apps gradually require a newer version. The oldest supported models, like the iPad (9th gen) and the 2020 iPad Pro, have the shortest runway left.
Supported is not the same as fully featured. Apple Intelligence needs an iPad with an M1 chip or newer, or the iPad mini (A17 Pro). The iPad (A16), iPad (10th and 9th gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), and 2020 iPad Pro run iPadOS 27 without it.
For model-by-model timelines, see How Long Are iPads Supported With Updates? (2026). If you already own an iPad and are deciding whether to replace it, When Should I Upgrade My iPad? 7 Signs It’s Time (2026) covers the signs.
Why Used Makes More Sense After Apple’s 2026 Price Increase
On June 25, 2026, Apple raised US prices on every current iPad, citing the cost of memory and storage chips. The increases run from $100 on the base iPad and iPad mini to $200 on the iPad Pro.
| Current Model (Base Storage) | New Price Before June 25 | New Price Now | Used on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (A16), 128GB | $349 | $449 | Same model, about $339 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro), 128GB | $499 | $599 | Same model, about $411 |
| iPad Air 11″ (M4), 128GB | $599 | $749 | Same model about $560, or the M2 about $462 |
| iPad Pro 11″ (M5), 256GB | $999 | $1,199 | iPad Pro 11″ (M4), about $765 |
The best buys are models a year or more old: past the first steep price drop and still years from the end of support. A used iPad Air (M1) sells for about half its $599 launch price, and a used 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) costs about $434 less than a new M5.
The M1 chip in the iPad Air is the same chip Apple used in the 2020 MacBook Air. In 2026, it still handles streaming, note-taking, schoolwork, and light creative work without strain.
Generation Rundown: Every iPad Worth Considering
iPad Pro (M5, 2025) and iPad Pro (M4, 2024): Premium
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11″ (M5) | M5 | 11″ Ultra Retina XDR (OLED), 120Hz | Pro, USB-C | Few sales yet |
| iPad Pro 13″ (M5) | M5 | 13″ Ultra Retina XDR (OLED), 120Hz | Pro, USB-C | Few sales yet |
| iPad Pro 11″ (M4) | M4 | 11″ Ultra Retina XDR (OLED), 120Hz | Pro, USB-C | $765 (256GB) |
| iPad Pro 13″ (M4) | M4 | 13″ Ultra Retina XDR (OLED), 120Hz | Pro, USB-C | $879 (256GB) |
Best for: Professional creative work, video editing, illustration, and anyone who wants the best iPad display. The M4 and M5 models share the same thin design and tandem OLED screen. The M5 adds a faster chip, faster storage, Wi-Fi 7, and faster charging.
Watch-outs: Neither works with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), so a Pencil 2 from an older iPad will not carry over, and older iPad Pro Magic Keyboards do not fit. The M5 has few used sales so far. The M4 is the value play: a used 11-inch sells for about $434 less than a new 11-inch M5, and a used 13-inch M4 averages about $879.
iPad Pro (M2, 2022): Strong Pick for Power Users
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11″ (M2) | M2 | 11″ Liquid Retina (LCD), 120Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $493 (128GB) |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (M2) | M2 | 12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED), 120Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $571 (128GB) |
Best for: Power users who want ProMotion, Face ID, and M-chip speed without paying M4 prices. The 12.9-inch model’s mini-LED display makes it a real laptop replacement for many workflows.
Watch-outs: It is thicker and heavier than the M4, and it does not support the Apple Pencil Pro. The 11-inch sells for about the same as a used iPad Air 11″ (M3), so compare the two: the Pro has ProMotion, Face ID, and four speakers, while the Air has Pencil Pro support and a newer chip.
iPad Pro (M1, 2021): Cheapest M-Chip Pro
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11″ (M1) | M1 | 11″ Liquid Retina (LCD), 120Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $443 (128GB) |
| iPad Pro 12.9″ (M1) | M1 | 12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED), 120Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $492 (128GB) |
Best for: Buyers who want ProMotion, Face ID, Thunderbolt, and Apple Intelligence at the lowest iPad Pro price.
Watch-outs: It is five years old, so its support runway is shorter than the M2 and M4 models. It also costs about the same as a used iPad Air 11″ (M2), which is newer and supports the Pencil Pro.
The 2020 iPad Pro (11-inch 2nd gen and 12.9-inch 4th gen) still runs iPadOS 27 and sells for about $346 (11-inch) to $372 (12.9-inch). It has no Apple Intelligence, and its A12Z chip is a close relative of the A12X in the 2018 models iPadOS 27 just dropped. Buy one only as a low-cost, short-term Pro.
iPad Air (M4, 2026) and iPad Air (M3, 2025): Newest Airs
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 11″ (M4) | M4 | 11″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $560 (128GB) |
| iPad Air 13″ (M4) | M4 | 13″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $651 (128GB) |
| iPad Air 11″ (M3) | M3 | 11″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $493 (128GB) |
| iPad Air 13″ (M3) | M3 | 13″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $617 (128GB) |
Best for: Buyers who want the longest support runway in the Air line, Apple Intelligence, and Apple Pencil Pro. The M4 model adds 12GB of memory and Wi-Fi 7, and a used 11-inch M4 sells for about $189 less than a new one.
Watch-outs: Both still have 60Hz displays and Touch ID rather than ProMotion and Face ID. On the 11-inch, the M3 sells for only about $31 more than the M2, so buy the M3 while the gap stays that small and the M2 if it widens.
iPad Air (M2, 2024): Best Value With Apple Pencil Pro
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 11″ (M2) | M2 | 11″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $462 (128GB) |
| iPad Air 13″ (M2) | M2 | 13″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $558 (128GB) |
Best for: Buyers who want Apple Pencil Pro support, Apple Intelligence, a landscape front camera, or a 13-inch screen for less. A used 11-inch sells for about $287 less than a new 11-inch Air.
Watch-outs: It does not work with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), so an older Pencil 2 will not carry over. Like every Air, it has a 60Hz display.
iPad Air (M1, 2022): Best Overall Used iPad
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (5th gen, M1) | M1 | 10.9″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $314 (64GB), $367 (256GB) |
Best for: Most buyers. The M1 chip, USB-C port, Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support, and Apple Intelligence make it the right call for students, professionals, and anyone who wants more than the base iPad without paying Pro prices. For a deeper look, see Is the iPad Air 2022 (M1) Still Worth It in 2026?.
Watch-outs: It comes in 64GB or 256GB only, and stepping up to 256GB costs about $53 on Swappa. It has a 60Hz display, and as a 2022 model it has fewer years of support left than the M2 and newer Airs.
iPad Air (4th Gen, 2020): Best Under $250
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air (4th gen) | A14 Bionic | 10.9″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $245 (64GB), $251 (256GB) |
Best for: Budget buyers who want USB-C, Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support, and a laminated display for under $250. It usually sells for less than the iPad (10th gen), which uses the same A14 chip.
Watch-outs: No Apple Intelligence, and as a 2020 model it has a shorter runway than the M1 Air. Supply is thin, so the 256GB average moves quickly.
iPad (A16, 2025): Best Base iPad
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (A16) | A16 | 11″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | USB-C, 1st gen with adapter | $339 (128GB), $404 (256GB) |
Best for: Kids, streaming, schoolwork, and anyone who wants the base iPad with the longest support runway. It starts at 128GB, double the 10th gen, and shows battery health in Settings. Swappa lists it as the iPad (11th Gen), and it sells for about $110 less than Apple’s new $449 price.
Watch-outs: No Apple Intelligence. It does not support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or Pencil Pro, and it looks nearly identical to the 10th gen, so confirm the model name before you buy.
iPad (10th Gen, 2022): Solid Entry-Level Pick
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (10th gen) | A14 Bionic | 10.9″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | USB-C, 1st gen with adapter | $300 (64GB), $362 (256GB) |
Best for: First-time tablet buyers, kids, and casual streaming. It brought USB-C, Touch ID in the top button, and a landscape front camera to the base iPad.
Watch-outs: It works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C), or with the 1st-gen Pencil through Apple’s USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter, but not the Pencil 2 or Pencil Pro. Check the iPad Air (M1) before you buy: it often sells for only a little more. For more options under $300, see Best Cheap iPads in 2026: Top Picks Under $300.
iPad (9th Gen, 2021): Budget Floor
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (9th gen) | A13 Bionic | 10.2″ Retina, 60Hz | 1st gen | $162 (64GB), $216 (256GB) |
Best for: The lowest-cost iPad that still runs iPadOS 27. It is fine for streaming, reading, and a child’s first tablet. For more family picks, see Best Used Tablets for Kids.
Watch-outs: It is the only supported iPad that still uses Lightning, and it has a home button and thick bezels. As the oldest supported base iPad, treat it as a two to three year tablet.
iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best Small iPad
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | A17 Pro | 8.3″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | Pro, USB-C | $411 (128GB), $462 (256GB) |
Best for: Commuters, readers, and note-takers who want a powerful tablet they can hold in one hand. It is the only iPad mini with Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro support, and it starts at 128GB. Swappa lists it as the iPad Mini (7th Gen), and it sells for about $188 less than Apple’s new $599 price.
Watch-outs: It does not work with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). If you do not need Apple Intelligence, the 6th gen below does most of the same jobs for about $129 less.
iPad mini (6th Gen, 2021): Best mini Value
| Model | Chip | Display | Apple Pencil | Avg. Sale on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (6th gen) | A15 Bionic | 8.3″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 2nd gen, USB-C | $282 (64GB), $329 (256GB) |
Best for: Buyers who want the mini size for less. The A15 Bionic is fast, USB-C is modern, and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) attaches and charges magnetically.
Watch-outs: No Apple Intelligence, and 64GB is the base storage. Some units had a reported “jelly scroll” effect (uneven refresh on one side of the screen while scrolling). It is not universal, but ask the seller or check the listing notes.
Apple Pencil Compatibility by iPad
Apple sells four Apple Pencil models, and they are not interchangeable. This is Apple’s compatibility list for each.
| Apple Pencil | Works With | Pairs and Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | iPad Pro (M4 and M5), iPad Air 11″ and 13″ (M2, M3, and M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro) | Attaches magnetically |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Every USB-C iPad: iPad (10th gen and A16), iPad Air (4th gen and newer), iPad mini (6th gen and newer), all 11″ and 13″ iPad Pro models, and iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd gen and newer) | USB-C cable |
| Apple Pencil (2nd gen) | iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11″ (1st to 4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd to 6th gen) | Attaches magnetically |
| Apple Pencil (1st gen) | iPad (6th to 9th gen), iPad (10th gen and A16) with the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), older iPad Pro models | Lightning plug |
Three mix-ups catch the most buyers:
- The Pencil 2 does not work with newer Airs and Pros. The iPad Air (M2 and newer) and iPad Pro (M4 and newer) take the Pencil Pro or USB-C Pencil instead.
- The base iPads skip the magnetic Pencils. The iPad (10th gen) and iPad (A16) work with the USB-C Pencil or the 1st gen with an adapter, not the Pencil 2 or Pencil Pro.
- The USB-C Pencil is the budget option. It works with every USB-C iPad, but it has no pressure sensitivity, so artists should pick whichever Pencil Pro, Pencil 2, or 1st-gen Pencil their iPad supports.
Most used iPad listings do not include a Pencil. If one does, confirm which model it is and that it matches the iPad.
Storage and Connectivity: What Matters on a Used iPad
Storage
64GB fills up fast. iPadOS, a handful of apps, and some downloaded video will push a 64GB iPad toward its limit, and you cannot add storage later. For most buyers, 128GB is the practical minimum and 256GB is the sweet spot if you download video, keep photos, or use creative apps.
On Swappa, stepping up from 64GB to 256GB adds about $50 to $60 on the iPad (9th and 10th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), and iPad Air (M1). Newer models make it simpler: the iPad (A16), iPad Air (M2 and newer), and iPad mini (A17 Pro) start at 128GB, and the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) starts at 256GB.
Wi-Fi vs. Cellular
Most iPads come in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions. Cellular adds $150 or more to the price of a new iPad and needs a data plan, so it only pays off if you often use your iPad away from Wi-Fi and your phone’s hotspot. Cellular vs. Wi-Fi iPad: Which Should You Buy Used? covers the tradeoffs and carrier activation.
USB-C vs. Lightning
Every iPad on iPadOS 27 uses USB-C except the iPad (9th gen), which still uses Lightning. USB-C connects to external drives and displays, and it uses the same cable as most laptops and Android phones. If you want one cable for everything, skip the 9th gen.
What to Check Before You Buy a Used iPad
- Activation Lock. Turn the iPad on. One that is ready for a new owner shows the Hello screen. If it says “iPad Locked to Owner” or asks for the previous owner’s Apple Account password, it is still locked. Activation Lock on a Used iPad: How to Avoid It covers the details.
- Battery health. The iPad Pro (M4 and M5), iPad Air (M2 and newer), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad (A16) show battery health and cycle count in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Older models do not, so ask how long a charge lasts. Battery Health in Used Electronics: What to Know explains how to judge it.
- The exact model. Several iPads look alike, such as the 10th gen and A16, or the Air (M2), (M3), and (M4). Match the listing to the model name in Settings > General > About.
- Accessories. Apple Pencils and keyboards are generation-specific. Check the tables above before you buy one separately.
Where to Buy a Used iPad Safely
The used iPad market has the same risks as any used electronics: Activation Lock, condition that does not match the description, and hidden damage. Swappa staff review listings before approval, and a listed iPad cannot have Activation Lock, cracked glass, or water damage. Its battery must charge and discharge normally.
Payments run through PayPal with buyer and seller protection, or Stripe for select sellers. If an iPad arrives not as described, you are entitled to a return and refund. Buyers pay a 3% fee that is already included in the listing price, plus sales tax where required, and selling fees are lower than other auction-site fees. Human support is available 24/7/365, with a typical response in about 20 minutes.
Buying used typically saves 30% to 60% off the price of the same model new, depending on the model, condition, and supply. Upgrading from an older iPad? How to Sell a Used iPad or Tablet for the Most Money covers pricing and prep, and you can sell your iPad on Swappa. If your old iPad is cracked or water damaged, it will not meet Swappa’s listing criteria, so see what Swappa Trade-In for tablets offers instead.
To compare iPads with Android tablets, start with Buying and Selling Used Tablets: The Complete Guide. To choose between the four iPad lines, see iPad vs. iPad Air vs. iPad Pro vs. iPad mini: Which Line Should You Buy Used?
FAQ
Which used iPad should I buy in 2026?
The iPad Air (M1, 2022) for most buyers. It sells for about $314 on Swappa and has an M1 chip, Apple Intelligence, USB-C, and iPadOS 27 support. The iPad (A16) is the best base iPad at about $339, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is the best small iPad at about $411, and the iPad (9th gen) is the cheapest supported iPad at about $162.
Which iPads still get updates in 2026?
iPadOS 27 supports the iPad (9th gen) and newer, including the iPad (A16), the iPad Air (4th gen) and newer, the iPad mini (6th gen) and newer, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen) and newer, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen) and newer, and the 13-inch iPad Pro. It dropped the iPad (8th gen), iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), and the 2018 iPad Pro models.
Which used iPads support Apple Intelligence?
Any iPad with an M1 chip or newer, plus the iPad mini (A17 Pro). The cheapest is the iPad Air (M1), at about $314 on Swappa. The iPad (A16), iPad (10th and 9th gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), and 2020 iPad Pro do not support it.
Is a used iPad worth it after Apple’s 2026 price increase?
Yes, more than before. On June 25, 2026, Apple raised new iPad prices by $100 to $200, so the iPad (A16) now starts at $449, the iPad mini at $599, the iPad Air at $749, and the iPad Pro at $1,199. On Swappa, a used iPad Air 11″ (M4) averages about $560, and a used 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) about $765.
How do I know if a used iPad has Activation Lock?
Turn it on. An iPad that is ready for a new owner shows the Hello screen. If it says “iPad Locked to Owner” or asks for the previous owner’s Apple Account password, it is still locked, and you should not buy it. Swappa does not approve listings with Activation Lock on, and you are entitled to a refund if an iPad arrives not as described.
Which Apple Pencil works with a used iPad?
The Apple Pencil Pro works with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5), iPad Air (M2 and newer), and iPad mini (A17 Pro). The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) works with the iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen), and iPad Pro models from 2018 to 2022. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) works with every USB-C iPad, and the iPad (9th gen) uses the 1st-generation Pencil.
The Bottom Line
For most buyers in 2026, the iPad Air (M1, 2022) is the used iPad to buy: an M1 chip, Apple Intelligence, USB-C, and iPadOS 27 support for about half its launch price. Get the iPad (A16) for the longest-supported base iPad, the iPad Air (M2) for Apple Pencil Pro on a budget, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) for a small tablet, or the iPad (9th gen) if every dollar counts. Power users will find a used iPad Pro (M4) far cheaper than a new M5 after Apple’s June price increase.
Whichever generation you choose, confirm the iPad shows the Hello screen, check that it runs iPadOS 27, and match your Apple Pencil to the model before you buy accessories.