The iPad 6th Generation, which hit the shelves back in 2018, continues to appeal to budget shoppers in the UK who want a basic tablet experience without a hefty price tag. Even years later, you can scoop up devices like the iPad 6th Generation refurbished for around £100 to £150. The catch? This older model can’t keep pace with the latest releases like the iPad (11th Gen) or the iPad Air. Newer iPads have better performance, more features, and ongoing software support that stretch their value much further for most users.
Comparing Specs: iPad 6th Gen and Newer Models
It’s helpful to look at a side-by-side comparison to see just how much things have changed between the iPad 6th Gen and Apple’s recent tablets. The 6th Gen offers a classic 9.7-inch Retina display that still looks sharp, but it can’t match the Liquid Retina screens now found on the 10th/11th Gen iPads and iPad Air. These new screens are brighter, larger (with sizes up to 11 inches), and use a modern, slimmer design.
Inside, the 6th Gen’s A10 Fusion chip (the same one as in the iPhone 7) and 2GB RAM feel fast enough for browsing and streaming videos, but they struggle with demanding apps and multitasking. The latest models rely on A14, A16, or even the powerful M2 and M3 chips, along with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM. This leads to dramatically better speed and smoother handling when juggling multiple apps or running more modern software. The battery on the 6th Gen still offers around ten hours if the device is in good shape – though older, refurbished batteries may not last as long. Price-wise, the 6th Gen wins for affordability, but the trade-offs are clear in performance.
Everyday Experience: Where the 6th Gen Works and Where It Falters
During hands-on use, the iPad 6th Gen continues to handle simple tasks quite well. If you’re mostly browsing the web, watching Netflix, handling email, or jotting notes with the Apple Pencil (1st Gen), the experience is pleasant. Its flat-back design is steady on a desk, and the modest 9.7-inch screen is crisp enough for most reading and video-watching.
However, the device quickly shows its age. Limited RAM means if you jump between a lot of apps, you’ll notice slowdowns and frequent reloads. Newer apps push the A10 Fusion chip beyond its comfort zone, so modern multitasking and productivity work can get sluggish. Trying to edit photos or do more creative work on the 6th Gen will feel slow, especially compared to the instant responsiveness of the latest iPads.
Sound is also a step down, with only a single mono speaker – audio isn’t as full as the stereo setups found on newer devices. And the screen, while decent, is not laminated, so you’ll notice an air gap that makes Pencil work feel slightly “off” and less natural compared to the improved writing experience on current models.
Software Support: Where the 6th Gen Falls Behind
The biggest drawback to an older iPad is software support. The 6th Gen is limited to iPadOS 17, which means it’s already behind the latest version, iPadOS 26, and future security or feature updates won’t come. This affects not only fancy new app features like AI-driven tools (“Apple Intelligence”) but also basic security – the kind of thing that can matter for banking, work, or school tools in the UK.
By contrast, new iPads like the 11th Gen or Air will get years of iPadOS updates, with full support for security and the newest Apple features. More storage (the 6th Gen maxes out at 128GB, while the base 11th Gen starts at 128GB) and much better multitasking capabilities make newer options ready for 2026 and beyond.
Design and Ports: Stuck in the Lightning Era
The iPad 6th Gen offers a familiar design and is compatible with handy accessories like the original Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil. It weighs in at just under 470 grams – similar to newer models – so it’s still portable enough for everyday use.
But the use of Apple’s old Lightning port is a pain point today. As USB-C has become the standard across new iPads and accessories, using the 6th Gen can lead to daily cable and adapter frustrations. Need to charge headphones or connect to other devices? You’ll likely need adapters. New iPads use USB-C, which is faster, more adaptable for accessories, and even supports features like external monitors (at super smooth refresh rates on the Pro). The older 6th Gen also has larger bezels, so its screen looks smaller compared to the nearly edge-to-edge displays on current iPads.
For cameras, the basics haven’t changed much on the 6th Gen – there’s a 1.2MP front camera and an 8MP rear shooter suitable for casual snaps or video calls. Meanwhile, new iPads offer much better cameras, with features like ultra-wide lenses, Center Stage for video calls that follow you around, and for the Air/Pro lines, LiDAR for advanced photography and AR experiences.
Value for Money: The UK Refurbished Market
In the UK, the low price of refurbished iPad 6th Gen units is definitely attractive. Through reliable sellers, a Wi-Fi model with 32GB or 128GB storage can be found for just £100 to £150, and often includes a warranty. Consider that even a used 11th Gen iPad will set you back closer to £300 or more.
If you’re trying to stretch your money, some experts say to look for a refurbished iPad 8th Gen instead. For around £130, the 8th Gen provides the faster A12 processor and longer software support – a real sweet spot if you want a balance between budget and usefulness. Be careful with battery life in older devices: the more the battery has been used, the shorter it will last, so it pays to check the refurbishment grade and return terms before buying.
Who Should Buy an iPad 6th Gen in the UK Today?
The 6th Gen still makes sense if:
- You only have around £150 and want a tablet for children, simple streaming, web browsing, or light school work.
- You’re OK with the basics from the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and don’t mind the Lightning port.
- You’re planning to use it for a year or two, and are fine upgrading down the line.
It’s a poor fit if:
- You need smooth multitasking, heavy app use, or want to play newer games – this iPad will feel slow.
- Software support and security are important, as updates stop with iPadOS 17.
- You want the extra features in sound, display, connectivity, or are interested in the latest AI tools.
For most UK shoppers – whether university students, hybrid workers, or parents – a used or refurbished iPad 8th, 10th, or 11th Gen is the smarter long-term purchase. These devices handle new apps and multitasking with ease and have better prospects for updates and new features in the future.
Feedback from Real Users
People who’ve tested the 6th Gen in 2026 find it nails the basics. If you’re mainly taking notes, watching videos, and browsing the web, it’s more than enough. But users are quick to notice slowdowns, with the limited RAM and older chip struggling when too many apps are open. In hands-on reviews, upgrading to even the newest base iPads offers a noticeable boost in speed and smoothness.
Should You Still Consider the iPad 6th Gen?
The iPad 6th Generation has not become useless – it’s still a solid budget pick in the UK refurb market if your needs are simple and your budget is tight. For those who need more from their tablet, though, or want to get more years out of their purchase, putting more money toward a newer model like the iPad 8th, 10th, or 11th Gen is the safer move. Old tech can still be valuable when it matches your expectations – just make sure you know what you’re getting and how long you plan to use it.









