You're scrolling through eBay or Swappa, and there it is. A 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9 for a price that actually looks reasonable. Your brain immediately starts justifying it. "I'll be so much more productive," you tell yourself. "I'll finally start that digital illustration hobby."
But here is the thing. Buying a massive used tablet isn't like buying a used car where you just kick the tires. It’s a minefield of battery cycles, screen delamination, and—the absolute worst—iCloud activation locks that turn a $600 purchase into a very expensive paperweight.
Honestly, most people overpay for the wrong generation because Apple’s naming convention is a total mess. If you aren't careful, you’ll end up with a 2017 model that feels like a dinosaur when you meant to buy the M1 version that still screams.
Which 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9 is actually worth your cash?
Don't just look at the price tag. You've got to look at the chip.
If you find a deal on the 3rd or 4th generation (2018–2020), it’ll look modern because of the slim bezels. But those use the A12X and A12Z chips. They’re fine for Netflix and light sketching, but they are starting to show their age with the latest iPadOS updates.
The "sweet spot" right now? The 5th Generation (2021) with the M1 chip.
Why? Because the M1 chip was a massive leap. It brought the Liquid Retina XDR display to the 12.9-inch model. That’s the fancy mini-LED tech that gives you those deep blacks and crazy 1,600-nit peak brightness. If you’re a photographer or a movie nerd, the difference between the 4th gen and the 5th gen is literally night and day.
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The M2 and the "Why Bother" Factor
Then there's the 6th Generation (2022) with the M2. Unless you are a hardcore pro who needs "Apple Pencil Hover" or you're doing heavy ProRes video encoding, the M2 usually isn't worth the extra $200–$300 on the used market. You’re paying for a performance ceiling most people never touch.
The "Invisible" Red Flags
You found a "Mint Condition" 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9. Great. But have you asked about the battery?
Unlike iPhones, iPads don't show you a "Battery Health" percentage in the settings. It’s annoying. You have to use a Mac and an app like coconutBattery or an iPad analytics shortcut to see the actual cycle count. A pro-level tablet used by a designer for three years probably has a battery that’s seen better days. If that cycle count is over 500, expect to keep your charger handy.
Then there is the screen. The 12.9-inch models are notorious for "stage lighting"—where the bottom of the screen looks like it has spotlights—or "ghosting" on the older non-mini-LED versions.
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Check these before you hand over the money:
- The "Hello" Screen: If the seller meets you and the iPad isn't on the factory reset "Hello" screen, walk away. Or, make them sign out of iCloud right in front of you. If they "forgot the password," it’s probably stolen.
- The Bend Test: Seriously. The 12.9-inch chassis is huge and surprisingly thin. Place it flat on a table. Does it wobble? These things bend in backpacks easier than you'd think.
- The Charging Port: Wiggle the cable. If it’s loose or only charges at a certain angle, that USB-C port is dying. Replacing it isn't cheap because it's often soldered or tucked deep under other components.
Where to actually buy without getting scammed
I’m weary of Facebook Marketplace. It’s the Wild West. You're better off hitting sites that offer at least a 30-day window to change your mind.
Apple Refurbished is the gold standard. They give you a brand-new outer shell and a brand-new battery. It's basically a new iPad. But, they rarely have the older, cheaper models.
Back Market and Swappa are usually where the real deals live. On Swappa, you’re buying from individuals, but they have to upload photos with a unique code to prove they actually own the device. It filters out a lot of the junk. On Back Market, you're buying from professional refurbishers. It’s a bit more "corporate," but the 12-month warranty is a nice safety net when you're dropping several hundred dollars.
Price expectations in 2026
Prices fluctuate, obviously. But generally, a 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9 (M1 version) should be hovering around $550–$650 depending on storage. If you see one for $300, it’s either a 2017 model (avoid!) or a scam.
If you are a student, look for bundles. Often, people sell their iPad Pro along with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2. Buying these separately will run you another $300+, so finding a "complete kit" from someone who graduated is the ultimate pro move.
Real talk on longevity
Is a 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9 still a good buy? Yeah. Apple supports these things for a long time. Even a 2018 model is likely to get security updates for another year or two. But if you want a device that feels snappy for the next four years, stick to the M-series chips. The jump from A-series to M-series was the biggest "buy this, not that" moment in iPad history.
Don't get blinded by the big screen. A 12.9-inch iPad is a commitment. It’s heavy. It’s almost the size of a MacBook Air. If you just want to read in bed, you're going to get a wrist cramp. But if you want a digital canvas or a laptop replacement, it's the only way to go.
Actionable Next Steps
- Decide on your "Floor": Vow right now not to buy anything older than the 5th Gen (M1) if you want the mini-LED screen.
- Verify the Serial: Ask the seller for the serial number before meeting. Plug it into Apple’s "Check Coverage" website. This confirms the exact model and if it has any remaining AppleCare+.
- Audit the Battery: If buying in person, bring a laptop with coconutBattery installed to check the health of the 2nd hand ipad pro 12.9 on the spot.
- Test the Speakers: Crank the volume. There are four speakers. Make sure all of them work and aren't buzzing or distorted, which is a common sign of liquid damage.