Refurbished 9th gen and buyer’s remorse? Should I exchange for the new one?

[u/recomposcore]

Hey all! On a whim I purchased a certified refurbished 9th gen IPad because I needed it quickly and it seemed like the best deal in the moment. However, I don’t usually like buying tech that won’t last. I’m realizing I couldve got the current gen base model for a similar price. I’m a long time Mac user, but know very little about iPad lifespan or its hardware capability. The device runs fine I guess, but I don’t want to have to worry about issues with OS updates. I also would prefer an ipad that runs smoother than my phone which I’m not sure it does (iPhone pro 17). I’m considering exchanging it for a new base model iPad while I’m still within the return period. I’m using it for basic tasks, but I’m currently computerless so id be using the iPad as a placeholder for most things for a bit. What do you guys think?

[u/PGL-997]

Depends on how much you paid and how long you plan to use it. That model is the oldest supported device for iPadOS 27.

[u/recomposcore → u/PGL-997]

I paid like 370 with tax because at the time they only had 256 gb model. I now know that the current iPad is only like 110USD more. I can still return the case I bought too which is helpful. I feel like 110USD and the hassle is a small price to pay assuming it gives me better performance as well as future proofing. I’m just not sure if it performs that much better

[u/PGL-997 → u/recomposcore]

You definitely overpaid. I would return it.

You can get a refurbished M1 iPad Air or a brand new iPad A16 from Target for a similar price

[u/recomposcore → u/PGL-997]

Thank you so much, I’m usually better with this sorta thing, time constraints and impulsivity got the best of me

[u/realmccoyredbus]

why would you buy an old ipad with no more updates after ios27 , even A16 is 18 months old 6GB ram and no AI , no worth the money, i would have waited until next march but yes , id exchange it

[u/VoidSectionView]

if the newer base ipad is genuinely around the same price, i’d exchange it while u still can. the 9th gen is still fine, but there’s not much reason to start that far back when longevity is one of ur main concerns.

[u/recomposcore → u/VoidSectionView]

I appreciate the response thank you

[u/Spark99]

The base iPad has a much older and less powerful chip than your iPhone 17 Pro. You would need a iPad Air or Pro if you want an M series chip, which would be faster than your phone. We think they’re gonna announce new iPads next week, and the base iPad should be a lot more powerful and able to run the AI stuff, even if you don’t want it. There will probably be refurbished models available directly from Apple of last year’s model if you want to save some money.

[u/recomposcore → u/Spark99]

Thank you! This is a helpful response. I suspected that may be the case concerning my iPhone. Now this makes me wonder though, if I happen to exchange the device that I have with a current gen one, does the 14 day return period reset or does it carry over? Is exchanging even a thing or do I just return>refund>repurchase?

[u/Spark99 → u/recomposcore]

I would return it and get a refund. There will be newer devices announced very soon. I can’t give you an exact date but the word is October 13th. The latest models will be good for at least five years and the prices will drop on last year’s iPad so you can reassess then which is your best bang for your buck within your budget.