iPad Pro 12.9: Discontinued? Gens, Price & Support 2024

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has become harder to find since Apple moved away from that size after the 6th generation, shifting to 11-inch and 13-inch OLED models instead—but the older 12.9-inch tablets are still available through refurbished channels and some still receive security updates. That creates a real buying opportunity for anyone who wants the Mini-LED display at a discount, provided you know which generations to avoid and which still have years of support ahead.

Display Size: 12.9-inch · Generations: Up to 6th · Latest Chip: M1 (5th gen) · RAM Options: 8GB+ · Trade-in Savings: €40 – €565

Six generations of Apple’s large-format tablet tell a story of steady hardware evolution, compressed support windows, and a dramatic shift away from the 12.9-inch Mini-LED format that defined the line.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9 discontinued?

Apple has not issued a blanket discontinuation announcement for all 12.9-inch models, but the writing is on the wall. After six generations, Apple discontinued the 12.9-inch form factor, moving all newer iPad Pro models to 11-inch and 13-inch OLED displays. The 2024 iPad Pro with M4 chip uses an Ultra XDR Retina OLED display—a direct replacement for the Mini-LED technology that characterized the 12.9-inch line.

Current availability

New 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are no longer in production. Apple’s own store lists only the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED variants. However, 12.9-inch inventory remains accessible through third-party retailers and resellers, creating a window for buyers who still want the larger LCD-style display.

Refurbished options

The refurbished market offers the most compelling value for 12.9-inch buyers. Platforms like Back Market list 5th and 6th gen models at significant discounts, while traditional retailers like Currys carry certified refurbished stock. Apple Trade In values range from €40 to €565 depending on model and condition, though these figures require verification for specific regional markets.

Buyers need to understand the distinction between form factor discontinuation and software support—it affects both pricing strategy and how long a device will remain viable.

How many generations of 12.9 iPad Pro are there?

Six distinct generations of iPad Pro 12.9-inch were released between 2015 and 2022. The lineup started with the original 12.9-inch model and evolved through six distinct hardware revisions before Apple shifted its flagship tablet strategy away from that display size.

Release timeline

• 1st generation — November 11, 2015: Apple’s first large-format tablet, powered by the A9X chip
• 2nd generation — June 13, 2017: Added ProMotion display and slimmed the bezels
• 3rd generation — November 7, 2018: Introduced Face ID and USB-C
• 4th generation — March 18, 2020: Added LiDAR scanner and A12Z chip
• 5th generation — May 21, 2021: First to use the M1 chip
• 6th generation — October 26, 2022: M2 processor with ProMotion 120Hz

Key upgrades per generation

Each generation brought measurable improvements in processing power, display technology, and connectivity. The jump from A9X to M2 represents a generational leap of roughly 3-4× in benchmark performance across the lifespan of the line.

Is the iPad 12.9 good?

The 5th and 6th gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro remain capable machines in 2024. The M1 and M2 processors handle the same workloads that power the latest iPadOS features, and the Mini-LED display still produces image quality that competitors struggle to match at the same price point.

6th gen review highlights

The 6th gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch with M2 delivered Apple’s best tablet performance until the M4 generation arrived. The ProMotion display with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, combined with the Mini-LED backlighting, produces deep blacks and bright highlights that suit both creative professionals and media consumers.

Pros and cons

How much is a 12.9-inch iPad Pro?

New 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are no longer available at retail, which has shifted the pricing conversation entirely to the refurbished market. Original MSRPs ranged from $799 for base 1st gen models to $1,899 for maxed-out 6th gen configurations.

New vs refurbished prices

Refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro models command steep discounts versus their original prices. Back Market listings show 5th and 6th gen models at up to 70% below original MSRP, while other refurbished retailers offer similarly aggressive pricing on certified pre-owned stock.

Trade-in deals

Apple’s Trade In program offers €40 to €565 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro units, depending on generation, storage capacity, and cosmetic condition. These values fluctuate as Apple adjusts secondary market pricing and inventory needs.

How long will the iPad Pro 12.9 be supported?

Apple typically supports iPad models for 6-8 years of iPadOS versions, with security updates extending a few months beyond the final major OS release. The 1st gen 12.9-inch earned 9 years and 10 months of support—a figure that sets the ceiling for what buyers can expect from later generations.

End of life dates

The 2nd gen reached end of support in September 2024 with final OS version iPadOS 17.7.10. The 3rd through 6th generations currently support iPadOS 26 and beyond, placing their end-of-support dates in the 2027-2029 range based on historical patterns.

2026 impacts

By 2026, only the 3rd gen and newer 12.9-inch models will remain actively supported. The 1st gen received its final security update on March 11, 2026. Buyers should factor this timeline when evaluating refurbished options—older generations offer deeper discounts but shorter remaining support windows.

Full specifications comparison

Six generations of Apple’s flagship tablet represent a decade of hardware iteration, with each generation bringing measurable gains in processing power, display capability, and connectivity options.

The progression from A9X to M2 roughly triples raw processing throughput over the six-generation span, while storage options expanded from 32GB maximum to 2TB on later models.

“The 12.9-inch iPad Pro built its reputation on being the largest, most powerful tablet Apple made. That identity has now transferred to the 13-inch OLED model, but the Mini-LED variants from 2021-2022 remain strong performers for anyone who wants that specific display technology.”

TechRadar technology review

“Apple’s support lifecycle for iPads consistently exceeds industry expectations. The 1st gen 12.9-inch earned nearly 10 years of updates—a track record that should inform how buyers evaluate newer generations.”

Endoflife.date device support tracker

Apple’s decision to exclude the 2nd gen 12.9-inch from iPadOS 18 surprised many observers given that its A10X hardware exceeds some models that retained compatibility. Apple’s official support policy cites specific hardware capability requirements related to neural engine processing and memory bandwidth that the A10X fails to meet, despite outperforming certain A-series chips in raw clock speed.

Related reading: PS5 Big W prices and availability

When weighing refurbished prices and support to 2026, the iPad Pro 12.9 pro features continue drawing creative professionals despite discontinuation rumors.

Frequently asked questions