How Much Is an iPad Worth?

iPads hold value better than most tablets but worse than iPhones, and the reason is software support combined with a long replacement cycle. Apple typically supports an iPad with iPadOS updates for five to seven years, and the moment a model drops off the support list its resale value falls sharply. The line where that currently bites hardest is the A-series versus M-series divide, since M-chip iPads run Stage Manager and pro apps that A-chip models cannot. Within a generation, three specifications move price meaningfully: storage capacity, whether the unit has cellular, and screen size. Cellular models add roughly $80 to $130 on resale even though most buyers never activate them. Accessories are unusually significant in this category because the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil cost hundreds new, and bundling them can add more to a sale than the same accessories would cost the buyer separately after fees.

Chip generation and continued iPadOS support are the dominant factors, and a model that has just dropped off Apple's update list loses value abruptly. Storage capacity matters more on iPads than on laptops because it cannot be expanded and base 64GB models are genuinely limiting, so a 256GB unit holds a real premium. Cellular capability adds a consistent amount regardless of activation. Screen size and model tier create the main price bands, with Pro above Air above base. Battery health is harder for buyers to verify than on a Mac, so sellers who provide battery data gain trust and price. Cosmetic condition matters more than on laptops because iPads are handled constantly and screen scratches are highly visible. Accessories, especially the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil generation that matches the device, add meaningful value and should always be bundled.