It is 2026. You’re digging through a drawer and find it. That chunky, silver slab with the physical home button that actually clicks. The iPad 2017 5th gen.
Honestly, most people think this thing is a paperweight by now. They see the thick bezels and the non-laminated screen and assume it belongs in a museum next to a rotary phone. But they’re wrong. Sorta.
I’ve been messing around with a base-model 32GB version lately. It’s a trip. While the tech world is obsessed with M4 chips and OLED screens that are thinner than a credit card, there is something weirdly refreshing about a tablet that just... works. Even if it takes a few extra seconds to load a heavy webpage.
The Reality of Using an iPad 2017 5th Gen Today
Let’s be real. If you try to open a 4K video project in LumaFusion on this thing, it will probably melt. Or at least get very, very hot.
The A9 chip inside was a beast back in the day—it’s the same silicon that powered the iPhone 6s. In 2026, it’s a grandfather. But for basic stuff? It’s surprisingly capable. Reading the news on the patio. Checking emails. Throwing a YouTube video on for the kids so they stop screaming in the backseat. It handles these tasks with a level of dignity you wouldn't expect from a nine-year-old device.
The screen is the big "gotcha." Unlike the iPad Air 2 that came before it, the iPad 2017 5th gen doesn't have a laminated display. There’s a tiny air gap between the glass you touch and the pixels that show the image. In a dark room, you won't notice. Under a bright kitchen light or outside? It’s a bit like looking into a mirror that also happens to show you your Netflix queue.
Software is the real wall
Here is the kicker: software support.
Apple finally cut the cord on major updates for this model. It topped out at iPadOS 16. While the world is moving onto iPadOS 26 and whatever AI-driven "Apple Intelligence" features are being shoved into new Pros, the 5th Gen is stuck in time.
Is that a dealbreaker?
Depends.
Most apps in the App Store still support iPadOS 16. For now. But we’re seeing more "This app requires iPadOS 17 or later" messages popping up. It’s a slow fade into obsolescence. You've got to be okay with that.
Why This Tablet Was Actually a Genius Move
When Apple dropped the iPad 2017 5th gen, it was a weird pivot. They basically took the chassis of the original iPad Air, slapped in a newer processor, and lowered the price to $329.
It was the first "budget" iPad.
Before this, iPads were getting thinner and more expensive. Apple realized that a lot of people—schools, grandmas, businesses—didn't need a $600 "pro" machine. They just wanted a reliable screen.
- Battery Life: Even now, if the battery hasn't been cycled to death, these things hold a charge like a champ. 10 hours was the promise. In the real world today, you’re probably looking at 6 or 7, which is still better than some cheap Android tablets you'd buy new.
- Durability: Because it’s thicker than the Air 2 or the modern Pros, it doesn't bend if you look at it funny. It feels sturdy.
- Repairability: That air gap I mentioned earlier? It makes the screen way cheaper to fix. If you crack the glass, you don't have to replace the whole LCD panel.
Repurposing Your Old Slab
If you have one of these sitting around, don't trade it in for $20. That’s a waste.
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I’ve seen people turn them into dedicated smart home controllers. Bolt it to the wall in the hallway. Keep the Home app open 24/7. It becomes a permanent light switch and thermostat for the whole house. It’s much better than using your $1,000 phone for that.
Another great use: a dedicated e-reader. The 9.7-inch screen is basically the size of a hardcover book. Load it up with the Kindle app or Libby, turn the brightness down, and keep it on your nightstand.
What to check if you're buying one used
If you’re looking at a used one on eBay or a local marketplace, be careful.
- Check the battery health. If it's under 80%, it will die mid-movie.
- Look for the "white spot" on the screen—common on these older panels.
- Make sure the Home button actually clicks. If the Touch ID is broken, you're going to hate typing your passcode every five minutes.
The Verdict on the iPad 2017 5th Gen
Is it a "good" tablet in 2026?
By modern standards, no. It’s slow. The camera is grainy. The screen is reflective.
But as a tool? As a secondary device for the kitchen or a "my-first-tablet" for a five-year-old? It’s fantastic. It represents an era where Apple focused on value over "thinness."
Practical Next Steps
If you currently own an iPad 2017 5th gen, do these three things to keep it useful:
- Offload unused apps: The 32GB model fills up instantly. Go to Settings and clear out the junk.
- Use the Web version of apps: If a specific app feels laggy, try opening it in Safari instead. The browser is often more optimized than a heavy, bloated app.
- Avoid the latest "heavy" games: Stick to things like Candy Crush or basic puzzles. Genshin Impact will turn this iPad into a space heater.
If it's truly too slow for your needs, look into Apple's recycling program or local e-waste centers. Don't just toss it in the trash; those batteries are nasty for the environment. Otherwise, enjoy the clicky home button while it lasts. They don't make 'em like they used to.