iPad (5th generation)
Our verdict
Repurpose it.
Its update days are over. Its useful days aren’t.
I
Give it a job
A recipe stand, a HomeKit dashboard, a digital photo frame.
II
Keep it off the open web
Without security updates, treat it as a single-purpose appliance rather than a daily browser.
III
Or let it go
Apple parts availability is winding down (vintage status). Trade-in value is modest — selling privately usually beats the quote.
VintageTops out at iPadOS 16.7.12.
The record
Introduced
2017
Model identifier
iPad6,11, iPad6,12
Variants
Wi-Fi · cellular
Chip
Apple A9
Architecture
64-bit ARM
Latest official release
iPadOS 16.7.12
With OpenCore Patcher
Not applicable
Security updates
Ended — iPadOS 16 received its final security update in 2025 (last release 16.7.12).
Apple hardware status
Vintage — parts winding down
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest iPadOS for the iPad (5th generation)?
The iPad (5th generation) officially tops out at iPadOS 16.7.12.
Is the iPad (5th generation) still getting security updates?
No. Ended — iPadOS 16 received its final security update in 2025 (last release 16.7.12).
Is the iPad (5th generation) vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as vintage: parts and service are winding down but may still be available.
Same shelf