Tech Guides · 3 Jan 2026 · 2 min read
Best iPad Pro 10.5-inch Setup: Storage, Apple Pencil & Accessories
Practical iPad Pro 10.5 setup guide covering Apple Pencil 1, ProMotion, storage, keyboards, age-related app compatibility and buying checks.
Apple's 10.5-inch iPad Pro brought a faster ProMotion display and first-generation Apple Pencil support. It can still be useful for some reading, handwritten notes and media, but hardware condition, supported apps and accessories now matter more than its original Pro branding.
Apple specifications: 2017 iPad Pro, 10.5-inch ProMotion Retina display, A10X Fusion, Touch ID, Lightning, Smart Connector, and original 64GB/256GB/512GB capacity options. Supported Pencil: Apple Pencil (1st generation).
Verify exact model and software first
Open Settings > General > About and identify the 10.5-inch model, not the 11-inch iPad Pro models that followed. Check available software updates and required apps. The 2017 hardware is excluded from the iPadOS 26 compatibility range. For essential professional or educational software, confirm the App Store's minimum system version, not just whether an app appears in an older review.
Pick suitable storage
The 10.5-inch Pro came with 64GB, 256GB and 512GB options. A 64GB unit may suit web and streaming use with cloud storage, whereas substantial video, drawing files or downloaded documents benefit from more internal space. iPad storage cannot be upgraded later; compare live listings instead of assuming a higher-capacity refurbished model is always more expensive.
Set up Apple Pencil and the screen
Use Apple Pencil (1st generation), paired through Lightning. The 10.5-inch display supports ProMotion, which can make scrolling and compatible stylus input smoother. Apple Pencil 2, with its magnetic charging and double-tap gesture, is not compatible. Check the screen for unresponsive edges, bright spots or uneven colour and test actual drawing input before accepting a used unit.
Choose the right keyboard and connections
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has a Smart Connector designed for compatible keyboards and uses Lightning for charging and accessories. Look for an accessory explicitly made for the 10.5-inch size; 11-inch Pro keyboard cases do not automatically fit. Bluetooth keyboards can be a more flexible alternative, and the headphone socket remains useful if you prefer wired audio.
Check condition before buying refurbished
Test Touch ID, front and rear cameras, stereo audio, Wi-Fi, charging and the Smart Connector where possible. Confirm the device is no longer associated with another Apple Account. Battery life varies with age and prior use; do not rely on original new-device runtime estimates. For multi-year software support, a newer iPad Pro or iPad Air may be a safer long-term purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 10.5-inch iPad Pro compatible with Apple Pencil 2?
No. The supported stylus is Apple Pencil (1st generation).
Does it have USB-C?
No. This model uses Lightning; later iPad Pro 11-inch generations introduced USB-C.
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Sources and accuracy
Model specifications and compatibility were checked against Apple's published documentation. Actual features vary with software versions and product condition.
Reviewed October 2026. Compare live stock, condition, accessories and warranty details before ordering.
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