Is the iPad Air 16GB still worth buying in 2026?

Only as a cheap basic device for reading, video or a fixed display. It cannot run many current apps because it stopped at iOS 12.

Can it run the latest iPadOS?

No. The original iPad Air tops out at iOS 12, so App Store apps that require iOS 13 or later will not install.

Barely. After the system, only a few GB remain, so plan on streaming rather than downloading and keep photos in the cloud.

Does it have cellular or a SIM slot?

This is the Wi-Fi only model, so there is no cellular data or SIM slot.

What comes in the box?

A used or clearance listing typically includes the iPad and a charging cable; check the listing for the charger, since Apple shipped a 12W adapter originally.

How does it compare to a base iPad?

A current base iPad is far faster, runs current iPadOS and starts at 64GB, but costs several times this price.

Where is the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi cheapest?

At Walmart, for $74.98, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi?

Rated 2.2 out of 5 from 6 ratings.

Where can I buy the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi?

3 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart, vipoutlet.com.

Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi

Best price now

$74.98at WalmartObserved at 11:59 PM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi

Best price now

$74.98at WalmartObserved at 11:59 PM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Our take on the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi

The original iPad Air is a 2013 tablet with a 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 display, an Apple A7 chip, 16GB of storage and Wi-Fi only. It weighs about 1 lb and Apple rates the battery at 10 hours of web use. At $74.98 at Walmart as of November 8, 2026, it is priced far below what this model sold for new, but it is a decade-old device with no software support left.

Best forA cheap second screen for reading or videoKids' first tablet with a caseA kitchen or wall-mounted displayBuyers who only need basic apps offline

Pros

Sharp 2048 x 1536 Retina display for the price
Light at about 1 lb and 7.5 mm thin
10-hour rated battery is still decent for light use
Solid aluminum build
Cheap enough to treat as a disposable device

Cons

16GB fills fast and has no microSD slot
Stuck on iOS 12; most current apps no longer update or install
A7 chip is slow for modern web pages and video
5MP rear and 1.2MP front cameras are poor by any current standard
No new security updates, so avoid banking and sensitive logins

Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by The Main Main Guy
$74.98Observed at 11:59 PM
Visit Walmart
eBayPre-owned
Availability unknownSold by brandon08242 (100% positive, 2,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$18.00+ $10.15 shippingVerified
Visit eBay

Also available at

vipoutlet.comCheck price at vipoutlet.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi price history

Lowest price we've seen: $74.98 on Nov 8 at Walmart. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 8.

What reviewers say

Owners of the original iPad Air long praised its light build, screen and battery life, and many still call it fine for reading and streaming. The common complaints are the 16GB storage limit and the fact that it stopped at iOS 12, which now blocks many apps.

What people mention

Software supportCriticisedIt cannot go past iOS 12, so many current apps no longer install or update.
StorageCriticised16GB leaves little room after the system, and there is no card slot.
DisplayPraisedOwners like the sharp 2048 x 1536 panel for reading and video.
WeightPraisedAt about 1 lb it is easy to hold one-handed for long stretches.
PerformanceCriticisedThe A7 chip feels slow on modern web pages and heavier apps.
BatteryMixedThe 10-hour rating held up when new, but used units often need a battery replacement.

Specifications

Operating System: iOS
Display Resolution: 2048 x 1536
Color: Space Gray
With Wi-Fi Only: Yes
Storage: 16 GB Storage
Screen Size: 9.7 in screen
Battery Life: 10 hours battery

Questions and answers

Is the iPad Air 16GB still worth buying in 2026?: Only as a cheap basic device for reading, video or a fixed display. It cannot run many current apps because it stopped at iOS 12.
Can it run the latest iPadOS?: No. The original iPad Air tops out at iOS 12, so App Store apps that require iOS 13 or later will not install.
Is 16GB enough?: Barely. After the system, only a few GB remain, so plan on streaming rather than downloading and keep photos in the cloud.
Does it have cellular or a SIM slot?: This is the Wi-Fi only model, so there is no cellular data or SIM slot.
What comes in the box?: A used or clearance listing typically includes the iPad and a charging cable; check the listing for the charger, since Apple shipped a 12W adapter originally.
How does it compare to a base iPad?: A current base iPad is far faster, runs current iPadOS and starts at 64GB, but costs several times this price.
Where is the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi cheapest?: At Walmart, for $74.98, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi?: Rated 2.2 out of 5 from 6 ratings.
Where can I buy the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi?: 3 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart, vipoutlet.com.

Stores we've priced the Apple iPad Air 16GB 9.7-inch Wi-Fi at

More from Apple

All Apple deals and products →

Rear Camera Resolution

5 MP rear camera

Front Camera Resolution

1.2 MP front camera