Used iPad Pro 12.9 3rd

Why Buying a Used iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Generation is Still a Fantastic Choice

Every year, Apple releases a new lineup of premium tablets, tempting customers with cutting-edge processors and sleek designs. While new iPads are undeniably impressive, many overlook the practical and affordable alternative — buying used. One model that continues to stand out today is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Generation, and here's why.

The iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen made headlines in 2018 for being the first major redesign of the iPad Pro series, ditching the Home Button in favor of Face ID and embracing a stunning edge-to-edge display. It was also the first iPad to switch from Lightning to USB-C, a connectivity change that's since become standard across the entire iPad lineup — meaning you can charge it and connect accessories with the same cable you likely already use for newer Apple devices. Its modern look still holds up today, featuring a slim aluminum chassis, thin bezels, and the famous flat-sided design that later iPads still follow, available in Silver and Space Gray finishes.

Under the hood, it's powered by the Apple A12X Bionic chipset, equipped with an octa-core CPU and a 7-core GPU capable of delivering laptop-grade performance, paired with 4GB of RAM (6GB on the 1TB configuration). Even today, the A12X remains extremely capable — whether you're multitasking, video editing, digital drawing, or running heavy 3D apps and games, this iPad handles it all smoothly. Storage options span 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, giving you plenty of room to grow into.

The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is a major highlight, running at a 2732 x 2048 resolution and 264 ppi. With its ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, True Tone color accuracy, and P3 wide-color support, the viewing experience is immersive and perfect for productivity or entertainment. When paired with the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro 12.9 essentially transforms into a portable workstation. Rounding out the hardware is a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera for video calls, plus a battery rated for up to 10 hours of everyday use on Wi-Fi.

Software support remains genuinely strong here, not just historically — this model is still eligible for Apple's current iPadOS release today, ensuring continued access to the latest apps, security patches, and iPadOS features for years to come, a rare feat for a 2018 tablet. The one honest caveat is that newer capabilities tied to more recent chips, like Apple Intelligence, aren't available here, but the core software experience stays fully current and reliable for daily use. This makes the used iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) a future-proof investment without the cost of a brand-new model.

In short, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Gen still offers exceptional value. With its premium ProMotion display, powerful hardware, professional accessories, forward-thinking USB-C connectivity, and genuinely ongoing software support, it competes easily with newer models — while costing significantly less.