iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad 6 vs iPad Air 2: Which Should You Buy?

These are older iPads with important software limitations. The 2014 iPad Air 2, 2016 iPad Pro 9.7 and 2018 iPad 6 were capable devices in their time, but none appears on Apple's iPadOS 26 compatibility list. For buyers who need supported school, banking or professional applications in 2026, current software requirements should outweigh the attractive price of a legacy tablet.

Side-by-side comparison

The software issue is more important than the Pro name

Apple's current iPadOS 26 list includes iPad 8 and later standard iPads and selected newer Pro models. It excludes all three models here. App developers may require a newer major system version, making an older tablet unsuitable for some banking, school, video-call and work apps. This matters regardless of the original retail price or the fact that iPad Pro 9.7 once belonged to Apple's premium range.

What does iPad Pro 9.7 offer?

It has an A9X chip, an attractive fully laminated 9.7-inch screen, a Smart Connector and Apple Pencil (1st generation) compatibility. Those features can still be appealing for supported note-taking and drawing software. However, the older operating-system ceiling, aging battery and potentially scarce compatible app updates are significant trade-offs. It is not automatically the 'best overall' option for a modern buyer.

What about iPad 6 and iPad Air 2?

The sixth-generation iPad has an A10 processor and supports Apple Pencil (1st generation), making it more flexible for basic handwriting than the Air 2. The Air 2 uses an older A8X chip and does not support Apple Pencil; it is best treated as a legacy-device purchase. Both have 9.7-inch screens and Lightning ports. A cheap Air 2 may be fine for particular offline uses, but its software age makes it the riskiest general recommendation.

Storage and accessories

iPad Air 2 had multiple original storage capacities, including smaller configurations. iPad Pro 9.7 offered 32GB, 128GB and 256GB, while iPad 6 originally came in 32GB/128GB options. Tight storage limits large apps and downloads, and adding a cloud subscription does not change the minimum OS version required by an app. Check charger type, physical case dimensions and any compatible keyboard; accessories for more recent 10.2/10.9-inch iPads may not fit.

Check a used tablet carefully

Test the touchscreen for dead zones, Home button/Touch ID, audio, Wi-Fi, cameras, charging and screen backlight. Review battery condition and whether it meets the user's expected sessions away from a socket. Confirm the device has been properly removed from the former owner's Apple Account and any school/company management profile. If it cannot meet essential app requirements, saving money upfront is not a good value decision.

Our buying recommendation

For a hobbyist who specifically requires an older device or offline application, an iPad Pro 9.7 can be attractive if Pencil use is important. A low-cost iPad 6 may suit simple compatible tasks. We would avoid recommending iPad Air 2 for general long-term connected use. For most families and students, compare a newer iPad 9 or 10 first, especially when the price difference is manageable.

Frequently asked questions

Does iPad Air 2 support Apple Pencil?

No. Apple's compatibility page excludes Air 2.

Can any of these three install iPadOS 26?

No. None is on Apple's iPadOS 26 supported-model list.

Related Tech Market articles

• iPad Pro 9.7 setup
• Newer iPad 9 setup
• Compare supported refurbished iPads
• Browse iPad Pro 9.7 listings

Source documents

Technical facts were checked against Apple specifications. Verify the exact hardware, software version and current condition of the device you are considering.

• Apple iPad Air 2 specifications
• Apple Pencil model support
• Current iPadOS compatibility
• Identify iPad models

Reviewed October 2026. Prices, stock, accessories and individual refurbished-device condition may differ.