The iPad 5th Gen in 2026
Apple's iPad 5th generation launched in March 2017 — a deliberately simple, affordable tablet with an A9 chip and a 9.7" Retina display. It was never fast or flashy, but it covered the basics well. In 2026 it maxes out at iOS 16, which is a meaningful advantage over the similarly-priced iPad mini 4 and Air 2 (both stuck at iOS 15).
iOS 16 means YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, and Google Chrome all work on the iPad 5th gen — the four apps that most commonly frustrate iOS 15 users. At its current price point, this makes it the most capable bargain iPad available.
Specs and Limitations
The A9 chip with 2GB RAM is the primary constraint. It handles iOS 16 and everyday tasks well, but heavy multitasking, complex games, and video editing will strain it. Specific limitations:
- No Apple Pencil support (requires iPad mini 4 or later, or Air 2)
- No Smart Keyboard support
- 9.7" screen — smaller than the iPad 7th gen (10.2")
- Home button with Touch ID — works well
- Lightning connector
- 3.5mm headphone jack ✅
What Works on iOS 16
iOS 16 keeps the iPad 5th gen compatible with all the major apps that have left iOS 15 behind:
- YouTube ✅ — iOS 16+
- Spotify ✅ — iOS 16+
- Netflix ✅ — iOS 16+
- Instagram ✅ — iOS 16+
- Google Chrome ✅ — iOS 16+
- BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 ✅
- Most productivity apps ✅ — iOS 16 is still widely supported
The practical limitation: apps that have moved to iOS 17+ minimum are starting to close off, but this is still a minority as of mid-2026.
💡 The iOS 16 vs iOS 15 difference: For under £50, the iPad 5th gen gives you iOS 16 where the similarly-priced iPad Air 2 and mini 4 give you iOS 15. That single generation difference means YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, and Instagram all work on the 5th gen and don't work on the Air 2 / mini 4. The price difference is typically £5–15 — worth paying.
Who Should Buy It
The iPad 5th gen makes sense for:
- Absolute budget buyers — Under £45 on eBay. Nothing else at this price runs iOS 16.
- Kids' first iPad — Cheap enough that damage isn't a catastrophe. Runs all child-relevant apps.
- Kitchen or display device — BBC iPlayer, recipe apps, music. 9.7" screen is good for this use case.
- Streaming tablet — YouTube, Netflix, iPlayer all work. Adequate for content consumption.
eBay prices in July 2026: 32GB at £30–45 Good condition. 128GB at £45–65.
Our verdict
The iPad 5th gen is the cheapest iPad with iOS 16 capability — which means YouTube, Spotify, Netflix and Instagram all work. For under £45 it offers more app compatibility than the similarly-priced iPad Air 2 and mini 4. Not a powerhouse, but a genuine bargain for basic use.
Find apps for your iPad 5th gen
Filter by iOS 16 to see what's compatible.
Browse iPad 5th gen apps →Also see: iPad 6th & 7th gen — the next step up · iPad Air 2 vs iPad mini 4 · Best cheap refurb iPads buyer guide