The iPad Pro 10.5-inch, released in 2017, marked an step in Apple’s tablet lineup by offering a larger display than the 9.7-inch model while keeping a slim, portable design. It introduced a 10.5-inch Retina display with ProMotion technology, support for the first-generation Apple Pencil, compatibility with the Smart Keyboard, and the powerful A10X Fusion chip.
For users considering one today, the iPad Pro 10.5 still has strengths in display quality, speakers, accessory support, and general performance, but it also comes with age-related limitations. Battery health, storage capacity, iPadOS support, and comparisons with newer iPad Air and iPad Pro models all matter when deciding whether it remains a smart buy.
iPad Pro 10.5 2017 Key Specifications
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch was introduced in 2017 as a higher-end alternative to the standard iPad, sitting between the smaller 9.7-inch Pro it replaced and the larger 12.9-inch model. Its main appeal was a larger display in a still-compact body, faster internals, stronger accessory support, and features aimed at users who wanted a tablet for drawing, writing, multitasking, media, and light productivity.
| Specification | iPad Pro 10.5-inch 2017 |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2017 |
| Display | 10.5-inch Retina display, 2224 x 1668 resolution, 264 ppi |
| Display technology | ProMotion up to 120Hz, True Tone, P3 wide color, laminated display, anti-reflective coating |
| Processor | Apple A10X Fusion chip with M10 coprocessor |
| Memory | 4GB RAM |
| Storage options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear camera | 12MP camera with 4K video recording |
| Front camera | 7MP FaceTime HD camera |
| Authentication | Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the Home button |
| Speakers | Four-speaker audio system |
| Connector | Lightning port, Smart Connector |
| Apple Pencil support | 1st-generation Apple Pencil |
| Keyboard support | Apple Smart Keyboard for 10.5-inch iPad Pro |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi |
| Models | Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular |
Its standout specification is the 10.5-inch ProMotion display. The 120Hz refresh rate made scrolling, Apple Pencil input, and interface animations feel noticeably smoother than on standard 60Hz iPads. Combined with a fully laminated panel, wide color support, and True Tone, the screen remains one of the strongest reasons people still consider this model on the used market.
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The A10X Fusion chip was very powerful at launch and still handles basic tasks such as web browsing, streaming, email, taking, and document editing well. The inclusion of 4GB of RAM also helped with split-screen multitasking compared with cheaper iPads of the same period. Storage choice matters more today: the 64GB version can feel tight once apps, iPadOS data, photos, and downloaded media are included, while 256GB is usually the more practical second-hand option.
Other hardware details are also worth noting when comparing it with newer iPads. The iPad Pro 10.5 keeps the classic Home button with Touch ID, a Lightning port, and a headphone jack, which some users may prefer. However, it does not support USB-C accessories, the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, Face ID, or newer Magic Keyboard-style cases. For buyers, the core specs still look capable, but accessory compatibility and long-term software support are just as as processor speed or display quality.
Design, Build Quality, and Display
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch from 2017 uses Apple’s familiar aluminum unibody design, but it was a meaningful refinement over the earlier 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Apple reduced the side bezels enough to fit a larger 10.5-inch screen into a body that still feels compact for handheld use. At about 250.6 mm tall, 174.1 mm wide, and 6.1 mm thick, it remains slim even by current tablet standards. The Wi‑Fi model weighs around 469 g, while the cellular model is slightly heavier at about 477 g, making it comfortable for reading, taking, and travel.
Build quality is one of the device’s strongest points. The chassis feels rigid, the chamfered edges are cleanly finished, and the physical Home button with Touch ID is fast and convenient. Unlike newer iPad Pro models, this generation keeps the Lightning port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and the traditional front-facing Touch ID layout. That makes it appealing for users with older accessories or wired headphones, though it also means it lacks USB-C, Face ID, and the flatter-edged industrial design introduced on later iPad Pro models.
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Display quality
The display is the main reason the 10.5-inch iPad Pro still stands out. It has a 2224 × 1668 resolution at 264 pixels per inch, which gives text, photos, and interface elements a sharp appearance. Apple used a fully laminated panel with an anti-reflective coating, so the glass and pixels feel close together and reflections are better controlled than on basic iPad models. It also supports wide color (P3), True Tone, and up to 600 nits of brightness, making it suitable for photo viewing, sketching, web browsing, and watching video in bright indoor environments.
The standout feature is ProMotion, Apple’s 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate technology. Scrolling through webpages, moving around documents, drawing with Apple Pencil, and navigating iPadOS all feel smoother than on 60 Hz iPads. This is still a practical advantage when comparing the 2017 iPad Pro with entry-level iPads released years later, many of which continued to use 60 Hz displays. For artists and takers, the reduced latency with the first-generation Apple Pencil makes handwriting and sketching feel more immediate.
- Screen size: 10.5 inches, larger than the older 9.7-inch model without becoming bulky.
- Resolution: 2224 × 1668 at 264 ppi for sharp text and detailed images.
- Refresh rate: ProMotion up to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and Pencil input.
- Color and tone: P3 wide color and True Tone for more natural viewing in different lighting.
- Panel construction: Fully laminated with anti-reflective coating for a premium feel.
There are a few practical concerns for buyers today. Some iPad Pro 10.5 units developed a bright spot on the display, often reported slightly above the Home button area, so second-hand buyers should inspect the screen on a white or light gray background. The thinner aluminum body can also be more vulnerable to bending if carried without a case in a packed bag. Still, if the display is in good condition, the combination of slim hardware, laminated glass, excellent color, and 120 Hz ProMotion gives this older iPad a more premium feel than many newer non-Pro iPads.
Rank #2
- Apple iOS 10, A10X Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture Embedded M10 coprocessor
- 15 MP iSight Camera, True Tone Flash, Panorama (up to 63MP), Four-Speaker Audio
- 10.5 inch Retina Display, 2224 x 1668 Resolution, Wide Color and True Tone Display
Performance, Battery Life, and Storage Options
The iPad Pro 10.5 2017 is powered by Apple’s A10X Fusion chip, paired with an embedded M10 motion coprocessor and 4GB of RAM. At launch, this was one of the fastest tablet processors available, and it still holds up reasonably well for everyday use. Web browsing, email, streaming video, taking, PDF markup, and split-screen multitasking remain smooth in most situations. The 120Hz ProMotion display also helps the tablet feel more responsive than many newer non-Pro iPads with standard 60Hz screens.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor heavier workloads, the A10X is more limited by modern standards. Apps such as Procreate, Affinity Photo, LumaFusion, and GarageBand can still run well, but large canvases, high-resolution video timelines, complex layers, and demanding exports will show the age of the hardware. Compared with newer iPads using A14, M1, M2, or M4 chips, the 2017 iPad Pro is noticeably slower in sustained creative tasks and less prepared for future app requirements. It is best viewed as a capable productivity and media tablet rather than a current-generation laptop replacement.
Storage options
Apple sold the iPad Pro 10.5 in three storage configurations: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. There is no microSD card slot, so the storage you buy is the storage you keep. The 64GB model can work for light users who mainly stream media, browse the web, use cloud storage, and keep a modest app library. However, it fills quickly if you download games, store videos offline, keep large photo libraries, or work with creative files.
- 64GB: suitable for basic use, school notes, streaming, and light productivity.
- 256GB: the most balanced option for most buyers today, especially for offline files and creative apps.
- 512GB: best for users storing large media libraries, video projects, or many high-end apps locally.
Battery life was rated by Apple at up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi, or up to 9 hours on cellular models. In real-world use, a new unit could usually last a full day of mixed tablet use. Since every iPad Pro 10.5 is now several years old, battery condition matters more than the original rating. A heavily used unit may deliver far less runtime, show faster percentage drops, or require charging during the day. When buying used or refurbished, checking battery health through diagnostics or asking about replacement history is more practical than relying on the published specification.
The iPad Pro 10.5 charges through a Lightning port, not USB-C. It supports faster charging with compatible higher-wattage USB-C power adapters and a USB-C to Lightning cable, but many used units are sold with the original slower charger or no charger at all. This also affects accessory flexibility: external storage, docks, and modern USB-C workflows are much easier on newer iPad Air and iPad Pro models. For users comparing options today, the 2017 model still offers solid everyday speed and a premium display, but storage capacity, battery wear, and the older Lightning ecosystem should weigh heavily in the buying decision.
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Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Support
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which was a major part of its appeal when it launched in 2017. For taking, sketching, PDF markup, and photo editing, the Pencil still feels precise thanks to the tablet’s laminated display and 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. Strokes appear quickly, pressure sensitivity works well in supported apps, and tilt detection helps with shading in drawing apps. Compared with basic iPads from the same era, the 10.5-inch Pro delivers a noticeably smoother Pencil experience.
There are practical downsides. The first-generation Apple Pencil charges through the iPad’s Lightning port, which leaves it sticking out awkwardly unless you use the included adapter and a Lightning cable. It also has no magnetic attachment, so it is easier to misplace than the second-generation Pencil used by newer iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models. If you plan to carry the iPad Pro 10.5 daily, a case with a Pencil holder is almost essential.
Rank #3
- Apple iOS 11 Operating System; A10X Fusion Chip with 64-bit architecture Embedded M10 Coprocessor
- 10.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display (2224 x 1668 resolution at 264 ppi)
- 12 Megapixel iSight Camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash and Panorama (up to 63MP)
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 Technology, FaceTime HD Camera, and Four-Speaker Audio
Keyboard options
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch also works with Apple’s Smart Keyboard, which connects through the Smart Connector on the left edge of the device. This means there is no Bluetooth pairing, no separate charging, and no battery inside the keyboard. For writing emails, taking class s, editing documents, or using shortcuts in productivity apps, it turns the iPad into a more capable lightweight work device. The 10.5-inch size gives the keyboard more room than the older 9.7-inch iPad Pro, making typing more comfortable, though it is still smaller than a laptop keyboard.
- Apple Pencil support: first-generation Apple Pencil only.
- Keyboard support: Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 10.5-inch via Smart Connector.
- No Magic Keyboard support: Apple’s newer trackpad-equipped Magic Keyboard is not compatible with this model.
- Third-party options: Bluetooth keyboards and keyboard cases are widely available, often at lower prices than Apple’s original accessory.
For buyers comparing this model with newer iPads, accessory compatibility is one of the biggest differences. The iPad Pro 10.5 cannot use the second-generation Apple Pencil, USB-C Pencil, Magic Keyboard, or newer magnetic keyboard systems. It also lacks the more modern USB-C port found on recent iPad Air and iPad Pro models, which affects workflows involving external displays, hubs, cameras, and storage drives. Still, if your main needs are handwritten s, simple drawing, document editing, and web-based work, the original Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard remain useful tools.
When buying used, check whether the Apple Pencil battery still holds a charge, since older Pencil batteries can degrade if left unused for long periods. Also inspect the Smart Keyboard for worn fabric, unresponsive keys, or Smart Connector issues. Accessories can add meaningful value to a used iPad Pro 10.5 bundle, but only if they are in good working condition and priced realistically against newer iPads with better long-term accessory support.
Cameras, Speakers, and Connectivity
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch from 2017 has a camera setup that was unusually strong for a tablet at the time, borrowing heavily from the iPhone 7 generation. On the back, it includes a 12MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, Focus Pixels autofocus, a quad-LED True Tone flash, and support for 4K video recording at 30 fps. It can also capture 1080p video at up to 60 fps and slow-motion video at 1080p at 120 fps or 720p at 240 fps. For scanning documents, taking reference photos, or recording quick clips, it remains more capable than many basic iPads released later.
The front camera is also useful by modern practical standards. It is a 7MP FaceTime HD camera with 1080p video recording, Retina Flash, wide color capture, and automatic image stabilization. It works well enough for FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, and classroom video calls, though it lacks Center Stage, the camera feature found on newer iPads that automatically keeps users framed during calls. The camera is placed on the short edge because this model was designed primarily around portrait orientation, so video calls in landscape can still look slightly off-center compared with newer landscape-camera iPads.
Audio is one of the strongest parts of the iPad Pro 10.5 experience. The tablet has a four-speaker system, with speakers positioned at both ends of the device. It automatically adjusts left and right channels depending on how the iPad is held, producing fuller stereo separation than standard iPads with two speakers. For watching films, playing games, joining calls, or using music apps casually, the speakers are still impressively loud and clear. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful for wired headphones, older speakers, classroom equipment, and low-latency audio monitoring.
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- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, suitable for streaming, cloud storage, web browsing, and large app downloads on modern home networks.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 for headphones, keyboards, game controllers, speakers, and other accessories, though newer iPads offer later Bluetooth standards.
- Cellular models: Optional LTE versions use a nano-SIM and embedded Apple SIM, depending on region and carrier support.
- Port: Lightning connector rather than USB-C, which limits direct compatibility with newer hubs, external displays, card readers, and storage accessories.
- Authentication: Touch ID built into the Home button, fast and reliable for unlocking, purchases, password autofill, and app security.
Compared with newer iPad Air and iPad Pro models, the biggest connectivity drawback is the Lightning port. It still works for charging, syncing, wired audio adapters, and older accessories, but it is less flexible than USB-C for creative workflows. Photographers, musicians, and students who want to connect external drives, USB-C monitors, or modern docking stations will find newer iPads easier to live with. For everyday wireless use, however, the iPad Pro 10.5 remains practical: its Wi-Fi is fast enough for common tasks, its LTE option is convenient for travel, and its speaker and camera hardware still give it a more premium feel than many entry-level tablets.
Rank #4
- Apple iOS 11 Operating System; A10X Fusion Chip with 64-bit architecture Embedded M10 Coprocessor
- 10.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display (2224 x 1668 resolution at 264 ppi)
- 12 Megapixel iSight Camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash and Panorama (up to 63MP)
Software Support and iPadOS Compatibility
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch launched in 2017 with iOS 10 and has received many major operating system updates since then, making it one of Apple’s longer-supported iPad models. It supports iPadOS 17, which gives it access to modern iPad features such as Stage Manager alternatives through improved multitasking, redesigned widgets, enhanced s tools, Safari updates, external keyboard shortcuts, and stronger Files app functionality. For everyday use, it still feels like a current iPad in many common tasks, especially browsing, streaming, reading, email, note-taking, and document editing.
There is one major limitation to understand: the iPad Pro 10.5 does not support iPadOS 18. Apple’s compatibility list for iPadOS 18 starts with newer iPad Pro models, leaving the 2017 10.5-inch version on iPadOS 17 as its final major software generation. Security updates may continue for some time, as Apple often provides selected patches for older iPadOS versions, but buyers should not expect future headline features, interface changes, or long-term app support at the same level as newer iPads.
Practical software considerations
- Current app compatibility: Most mainstream apps still run well on iPadOS 17, including Safari, YouTube, Netflix, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Procreate, Notability, GoodNotes, and many banking or shopping apps.
- Future app support: Over the next few years, more apps may begin requiring iPadOS 18 or later, especially creative, productivity, security, and enterprise apps.
- Multitasking: Split View, Slide Over, drag and drop, Picture in Picture, and external keyboard shortcuts are supported, giving it a more capable workflow than basic older iPads.
- External display use: It supports basic screen mirroring through compatible adapters, but it does not offer the more advanced external display workflows available on M-series iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
- Apple Pencil features: First-generation Apple Pencil support remains useful, but newer Pencil features such as hover, squeeze gestures, and magnetic charging are not available.
Compared with newer iPads, the software experience is increasingly defined by hardware limits. The A10X Fusion chip and 4GB of RAM are still respectable for a 2017 tablet, but newer iPads with A14, A15, M1, M2, or M4 chips have a much longer runway for iPadOS updates and demanding apps. Features tied to newer processors, USB-C accessories, advanced display output, and the latest Apple Pencil models are absent here. Users who want an iPad for school s, web research, media, light photo editing, and casual drawing can still get useful service from the iPad Pro 10.5. Users who need years of updates, professional creative apps, heavy multitasking, or the newest AI and productivity features should compare it against a newer iPad Air, iPad mini, or 11-inch iPad Pro.
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For a second-hand buyer, the software status should be treated as a central part of the purchase decision. A clean, well-priced iPad Pro 10.5 on iPadOS 17 can still be a strong budget tablet, especially because it includes a laminated 120Hz ProMotion display and quad speakers. However, it is no longer a forward-looking choice. If long software support matters more than the premium display, a newer standard iPad may be the safer buy. If display quality, speakers, and low cost matter most, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro remains appealing, provided the buyer accepts that its major iPadOS upgrade path has effectively ended.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the iPad Pro 10.5 Still Worth Buying?
The iPad Pro 10.5 can still be a sensible used buy, but only at the right price and for the right workload. Its strengths remain clear: a laminated 10.5-inch ProMotion display, a light aluminum body, four-speaker audio, Apple Pencil support, Smart Keyboard support, and enough performance for web browsing, streaming, taking, email, PDF reading, and many classroom or office tasks. For someone who wants a premium-feeling iPad for casual productivity without paying current iPad Air or iPad Pro prices, it can still feel more refined than many basic tablets.
The main concern is age. Released in 2017, the iPad Pro 10.5 uses the A10X Fusion chip, which was excellent in its time but now sits well behind modern Apple silicon. It is not the best choice for demanding multitasking, heavy photo editing, large Procreate canvases, 4K video workflows, advanced games, or long-term software support. Battery health is another major factor because many units have been through years of charge cycles. A cheap listing can quickly become less attractive if the battery is weak, the display has bright spots, the charging port is loose, or the Smart Connector no longer works reliably.
Who should consider buying it
- Students on a tight budget: It works well for notes, reading, research, and typing with a compatible keyboard.
- Casual users: Browsing, YouTube, Netflix, email, and light games are still comfortable on the 120Hz display.
- First-time Apple Pencil users: The first-generation Apple Pencil is good for handwriting, sketching, and marking up PDFs.
- Buyers who value speakers and display quality: Its four speakers and laminated ProMotion screen still compare well against entry-level iPads.
Who should skip it
- Anyone wanting years of updates: Newer iPads are a safer choice for long-term iPadOS support.
- Creative professionals: Modern iPad Air and iPad Pro models offer much faster chips, better accessory support, and more capable workflows.
- Users who need USB-C: The iPad Pro 10.5 still uses Lightning, which limits accessory flexibility compared with newer models.
- Heavy multitaskers: Newer iPads handle Stage Manager-style workflows, large apps, and background tasks more smoothly.
When comparing it with newer iPads, the biggest trade-off is between premium older hardware and longer-lasting modern hardware. A newer base iPad may not have ProMotion or four speakers, but it will usually offer better software longevity, fresher batteries, improved cameras for video calls, and easier warranty or repair options. An iPad Air with an M-series chip is a much stronger option for users who want the device to last several more years or replace a laptop for more serious work.
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- Apple iOS 11 Operating System; A10X Fusion Chip with 64-bit architecture Embedded M10 Coprocessor
- 10.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina Display (2224 x 1668 resolution at 264 ppi)
- 12 Megapixel iSight Camera with Quad-LED True Tone Flash and Panorama (up to 63MP)
As a practical buying rule, the iPad Pro 10.5 is worth considering only if it is significantly cheaper than a used iPad Air or newer standard iPad, includes a healthy battery, has no display defects, and comes with accessories you actually need. Check for white spots on the screen, uneven backlight, touch responsiveness, speaker distortion, camera function, Apple Pencil pairing, and charging reliability before purchasing. If the price is close to newer models, choose the newer iPad. If the price is low and the condition is excellent, the iPad Pro 10.5 remains a polished tablet for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPad Pro 10.5 from 2017 still get iPadOS updates?
The iPad Pro 10.5 supports iPadOS 17, but it does not support iPadOS 18. That means it can still run many current apps, but its long-term software support is limited compared with newer iPads. If security updates and future app compatibility matter to you, a newer model is the safer buy.
Is the iPad Pro 10.5 still fast enough for everyday use?
Yes, the A10X Fusion chip is still capable for web browsing, video streaming, taking, email, and light productivity. It can also handle many games and creative apps, but newer iPads are noticeably faster for heavy multitasking, video editing, and demanding Apple Pencil workflows. The 4GB of RAM is usable, but app reloads are more common than on modern iPad Air and iPad Pro models.
Does the iPad Pro 10.5 work with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard?
The iPad Pro 10.5 works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges through the Lightning port. It also supports Apple’s Smart Keyboard for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro using the Smart Connector. It does not support the second-generation Apple Pencil, Apple Pencil Pro, or Apple’s newer Magic Keyboard made for USB-C iPads.
What should I check before buying a used iPad Pro 10.5?
Check the battery health by looking for poor standby time, fast drain, or unexpected shutdowns, since the device is now several years old. Inspect the display carefully for white spots, bright patches, uneven backlighting, and touch issues, which some 10.5-inch models have developed over time. Also confirm that Activation Lock is removed, the Lightning port works, and any included Apple Pencil or keyboard pairs correctly.
Is the iPad Pro 10.5 better than a newer base iPad?
The iPad Pro 10.5 still has advantages such as a 120Hz ProMotion laminated display, quad speakers, a thinner design, and Smart Keyboard support. However, newer base iPads usually offer longer software support, better battery longevity, newer chips, and USB-C on recent models. If you value display quality and speakers at a low used price, it can still be appealing, but for long-term use a newer iPad is usually the better investment.
Bottom Line
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch from 2017 still stands out for its laminated 120Hz ProMotion display, slim design, solid speakers, Apple Pencil support, and capable A10X performance for everyday tasks. For browsing, streaming, taking, light creative work, and casual productivity, it can still feel surprisingly polished if the battery is healthy and the price is right.
That said, its age matters: software support is more limited than newer iPads, accessories use the older Lightning-based ecosystem, and modern models offer faster chips, USB-C, better cameras, and longer update life. Buy it only as a low-cost used option in good condition; otherwise, a newer iPad Air, iPad mini, or entry-level iPad will be the smarter long-term choice.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
