The best iPad is the one you already own

Unless it’s totally broken, I guess.

We live in a culture that values ​​waste. I am reminded of this fact every time Apple announces a new product. So, to celebrate the launch of Apple’s latest iPads, I’m going to let you in on a special secret: the best iPad is the one you already own. You don’t need the latest or greatest tablet.

Old iPads still work great

Apple provides excellent support for its products. You can use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac for over half a decade before it starts to feel slow or outdated. Yes, Apple likes to brag about massive jumps in performance, but these performance upgrades rarely affect the real-world user experience.

But what about apps and updates? Well, modern iPads get at least five years of annual OS updates — if you buy a 2022 iPad, you’ll probably get your last OS update in 2027.

If you already have an iPad, you probably won’t need to replace it anytime soon. All models released in 2015 and later are compatible with the 2022 iPadOS 16 update, which means they offer exciting new features and can run the latest apps or games.

Of course, people who regularly use their iPad may find that their battery no longer holds a charge. In this situation, I strongly suggest asking a repair professional (or Apple Store employee) how much a battery replacement might cost. It’s cheaper than buying a new iPad; I will tell you a lot.

iPad updates are iterative, not groundbreaking

Customers and critics expect every new iPad to include some innovative feature, which is simply unrealistic. Most iPad updates are iterative: The 10th-generation iPad, for example, includes a faster chipset than its predecessor and removes the home button. It’s not a “substantial” upgrade, and that’s the point!

One of Apple’s greatest strengths is its restraint. Instead of trying to force the release of innovative features, Apple focuses on small semi-annual updates. This tactic provides a sense of balance to customers: You can enjoy an iPad for three or four years before the newest model feels like a compelling upgrade. (Crazy Apple fans haven’t realized this fact. They’re too busy buying new toys every year.)

Admittedly, some upgrades are hard to resist. The introduction of the Apple Pencil, for example, gave graphic designers a good reason to buy the latest and greatest iPad. But innovative upgrades are rare. And if you’re just using the iPad to stream videos or play games, this sort of thing doesn’t really matter.

Maybe it’s gotten to the point where the new iPad feels like a huge upgrade. You are ready to get rid of the iPad that you have enjoyed for the past few years. Well, I’d suggest avoiding the latest iPads and taking a slightly different approach.

If you need a new iPad, don’t buy the latest model

No one is forcing you to buy the latest iPad. In fact, you’re probably better off buying a previous-gen model—it’ll run fast, work with your favorite apps, and cost a lot less than a new iPad.

Buying an “old” iPad also helps you stretch your budget. Instead of spending $450 on the latest base model iPad, you can spend the same amount on an older model with more storage or cellular connectivity.

At the time of this writing, there are plenty of awesome “old” iPads available at a deep discount. Here are some of our favorite options:

All of these iPads run the latest version of iPadOS and are compatible with Apple Pencil. They are fantastic products, will last a long time and are very cheap compared to Apple’s current generation iPad models.

Are the latest iPads worth it?

As I mentioned earlier, some iPad upgrades are hard to resist. Whether you’re an artist, musician, or FaceTime fanatic, you might find yourself drooling over the revolutionary new features introduced with an iPad Pro or iPad Air.

But unless you fit into a certain niche, such upgrades are rarely worth your time. Many people bought the original iPad Pro because it introduced Apple Pencil support. How many of those customers are still using their Apple Pencil today?

You should also be careful what reviews you read online (including my reviews). Journalists and critics write from a place of “authority” and tend to exaggerate the importance of their beliefs or experiences. For example, when a journalist proclaims, “The new iPad replaced my laptop,” he is describing something that is actually quite specialized.

I highly recommend buying older generation iPads and avoiding newer models. It’s a smart and easy way to save money. And if you have an iPad that still works perfectly, try to hang on. You probably don’t need to buy a new iPad yet.