Between 2015 and 2017, Apple launched four iPad Pro models that defined what a serious tablet could be. They're now too old for iOS 26, priced between £70 and £150 on eBay, and more capable than most people give them credit for. But they are not equal — and the distinction matters.
The short version: the 2017 models are genuinely excellent value. The 2015/2016 models are more limited.
The Four Models — A Quick Comparison
| Model | Chip | RAM | Max iOS | Display | eBay price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.9" 1st gen (2015) | A9X | 4GB | iOS 16 | 12.9" 60Hz | £80–120 |
| 9.7" (2016) | A9X | 2GB | iOS 16 | 9.7" 60Hz | £70–100 |
| 10.5" (2017) | A10X Fusion | 4GB | iOS 17 | 10.5" 120Hz | £90–130 |
| 12.9" 2nd gen (2017) | A10X Fusion | 4GB | iOS 17 | 12.9" 120Hz | £100–150 |
The difference between the 2015/2016 generation and the 2017 generation is significant. It's not just the extra iOS version — it's the chip, the RAM, and critically, the display.
Why the 2017 Models Are Special: ProMotion
Apple introduced ProMotion — a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display — with the 2017 iPad Pros. This was years before 120Hz became standard on mid-range phones and tablets. In 2026, it still makes scrolling, drawing, and video playback feel noticeably smoother than 60Hz alternatives.
The 10.5" iPad Pro in particular hits a sweet spot: more portable than the 12.9", more screen than the 9.7", and a chip that's meaningfully better than anything in the 2015/2016 era. With 4GB of RAM and the A10X Fusion, it handles multitasking, heavy apps, and modern games comfortably within iOS 17.
💡 ProMotion in practice: On a 120Hz iPad Pro, scrolling through web pages, reading documents, and using creative apps has a tactile quality that 60Hz screens simply don't match. If you're coming from a standard iPad 6th/7th gen and try an iPad Pro 10.5", the difference is immediately obvious. This alone justifies the price premium over cheaper options.
The 2017 Models: What Runs Well
iOS 17 unlocks access to a substantially larger catalogue than iOS 15 or 16. As of mid-2026, most mainstream apps still support iOS 17:
- Procreate — iOS 15.4.1+. The definitive iPad drawing app. On a 12.9" ProMotion display, it's genuinely excellent. Apple Pencil (1st gen) is supported on both 2017 models.
- LumaFusion — iOS 15+. Professional mobile video editing. The A10X Fusion handles this well.
- GoodNotes 5 — iOS 15+. Note-taking with Apple Pencil. A core use case for iPad Pro buyers.
- Final Cut Pro for iPad — Requires iOS 16.4+. Works on the 2017 Pros.
- Cubasis 3 — iOS 14+. Full DAW with excellent performance on A10X.
- Affinity Designer / Photo — iOS 15+. The best non-subscription design tools on iPad.
- Microsoft 365 — iOS 16+. Word, Excel, PowerPoint fully functional.
- Spotify — iOS 16+. Runs fine.
- Netflix / Disney+ — iOS 16+. Full streaming on a large screen.
The 2015/2016 Models: More Honest Assessment
The original 12.9" iPad Pro (2015) and the iPad Pro 9.7" (2016) max out at iOS 16. That's still a respectable operating system, but the real issue is the hardware gap compared to the 2017 models.
The 9.7" iPad Pro is particularly awkward: it only has 2GB of RAM, which is the same as the iPad Air 2 and mini 4. For a device labelled "Pro", it's a meaningful constraint. Heavy apps, large Procreate canvases, and multitasking will all struggle in ways that the 4GB 2017 models simply don't.
The 12.9" 1st gen does have 4GB of RAM, which helps. And the 12.9" display is genuinely impressive for content consumption and creative work — you get the large canvas without the battery drain of current large-format iPads. It runs iOS 16 decently. But at £80–120 on eBay, the 2017 10.5" Pro is often only £10–20 more and is dramatically better in every meaningful way. It's a hard case to make for the 2015 model unless price is extremely tight.
The Apple Pencil Situation
All four models support the Apple Pencil 1st generation — the Lightning-charging stylus. This is worth knowing: 1st gen Pencils are available on Amazon for £60–80 new, and frequently appear on eBay for £20–40 used. Pairing a 2017 iPad Pro with a used Apple Pencil is a serious creative setup for well under £200 total.
If you're considering an iPad Pro specifically for drawing, note-taking, or music app control, the combination of a 10.5" ProMotion display + 1st gen Pencil at this price point has no meaningful competition in the refurbished tablet market.
Smart Keyboard and Accessories
Both 2017 iPad Pro models support the Smart Keyboard via the Smart Connector — the magnetic three-pin port on the side. First-gen Smart Keyboards can be found on eBay for £20–40, turning the iPad Pro into a reasonable laptop substitute for writing and light productivity. The keyboard isn't exceptional, but it's instant-on, needs no charging, and doesn't take up Lightning for connection.
What to Look For When Buying
- 64GB minimum — 32GB fills up fast if you use Procreate or store media. 128GB or 256GB is significantly more comfortable.
- Screen condition — The laminated displays show scratches more visibly than the mini 4. Look for "pristine" or "very good" condition descriptions and ideally photos.
- Apple Pencil marks — Some units have wear on the charging socket from repeated Pencil use. Usually cosmetic only.
- Cellular vs WiFi — Unless you specifically need mobile data, WiFi-only is fine and typically £20–30 cheaper.
Our take
The iPad Pro 10.5" (2017) is the standout recommendation from this era. ProMotion display, A10X Fusion, 4GB RAM, iOS 17 maximum, Apple Pencil support — at £90–130 on eBay it delivers a genuinely premium tablet experience for the price of a budget Android. The 12.9" 2nd gen is equally capable if you want the larger canvas. The 2015/2016 models are acceptable if the price is right (under £80) but hard to recommend over the 2017 generation given the small price gap.
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iPad Pro 10.5" apps →Also see: Best cheap refurbished iPads — full buyer's guide · iPad Air 2 in 2026