Apple iPad 5th Generation (Cover + Charger + Data cable)

The **Apple iPad (5th generation)**, often called the **iPad 2017** or simply **iPad 5**, was announced on **March 21, 2017**, and released on **March 24, 2017**. It was Apple's first affordable entry-level iPad since the iPad 2, blending the iPad Air's design with iPhone 6s-level performance to target education, families, and casual users. Priced starting at **$329** for the 32GB Wi-Fi model (a $70 drop from the iPad Air 2), it emphasized value with a brighter Retina display, Touch ID, and 64-bit power. This model revived the "iPad" branding for the base line and was discontinued in **March 2018** with the 6th-gen launch.

 Key Features and Improvements
- **Design and Build**: Retained the iPad Air's slim profile—measuring **9.4 inches tall, 6.6 inches wide, and 0.30 inches (7.5 mm) thick**, weighing **1.03 pounds (469 g) for Wi-Fi** and **1.05 pounds (478 g) for cellular**. Aluminum unibody with chamfered edges, available in **Space Gray**, **Silver**, **Gold**, or new **Rose Gold**. Notable tweaks: No side mute switch (side switch became Smart Connector for keyboards), single row of speaker grilles (still stereo sound), and smaller mic holes.
- **Display**: 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD **Retina display** with **2048 x 1536 resolution** at **264 ppi**. **25% brighter** than the iPad Air 2 (500 nits peak), but lacks full lamination or anti-reflective coating (unlike Air 2/Mini 4), leading to a slight air gap between glass and panel.
- **Performance**: Powered by the **Apple A9 chip** (same as iPhone 6s: 64-bit dual-core 1.85 GHz Twister CPU with PowerVR GT7600 GPU) and **M9 motion coprocessor** (supports basic fitness tracking). Paired with **2 GB of RAM**—double the Air 2's—for smoother multitasking. No "Hey Siri" support despite the M9, as it requires low-power always-listening hardware.
- **Storage Options**: 32 GB or 128 GB (no microSD; 16 GB dropped from prior base models).
- **Cameras**: **8 MP rear iSight** (f/2.4, autofocus, 1080p HD video at 30 fps, HDR, 120 fps slo-mo, 5-element lens) and **1.2 MP front FaceTime HD** (720p video)—upgraded from iPad 4/Air 1 for better low-light and pixel processing.
- **Connectivity**: Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with **MIMO**, Bluetooth 4.2, **Lightning connector**, and optional **4G LTE** (Gigabit-class on some bands; GPS/GLONASS on cellular). Supports Apple Pay via Touch ID.
- **Battery Life**: Up to **10 hours** of Wi-Fi web/video/music; up to **9 hours** on cellular. 32.4 Wh (8,827 mAh) battery, efficient thanks to A9 optimizations.
- **Software**: Launched with **iOS 10.3**, upgradable to **iPadOS 16.7.10** (final supported version as of November 2025). Supports Split View, Apple Pencil (1st gen via Lightning adapter), and education features like ClassKit.
- **Audio and Sensors**: Dual stereo speakers (landscape-oriented), dual mics with noise reduction, 3.5mm jack, **Touch ID** (2nd-gen sensor), accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, digital compass.

#### Specifications Table

| Category              | Details                                                                 |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Display**           | 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD, 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi), multi-touch, 500 nits brightness |
| **Processor**         | Apple A9 (64-bit, dual-core 1.85 GHz) + M9 motion coprocessor           |
| **RAM**               | 2 GB LPDDR3                                                             |
| **Storage**           | 32 / 128 GB                                                             |
| **Cameras**           | Rear: 8 MP (1080p video, slo-mo 120 fps); Front: 1.2 MP (720p)          |
| **Battery**           | 8,827 mAh (32.4 Wh), ~10 hours Wi-Fi / 9 hours cellular                 |
| **Connectivity**      | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (MIMO), Bluetooth 4.2, Lightning; optional LTE + GPS |
| **Dimensions**        | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.30 inches (240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm)                          |
| **Weight**            | 1.03 lb (469 g) Wi-Fi / 1.05 lb (478 g) cellular                        |
| **OS Support**        | iOS 10.3 to iPadOS 16.7.10 (latest as of Nov 2025)                      |
| **Colors**            | Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold                                     |
| **Sensors**           | Touch ID, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, compass              |

#### Notable Milestones
- **Affordable Powerhouse**: First iPad under $350 with modern specs, aimed at schools to compete with Chromebooks.
- **Apple Pencil Support**: Early adopter (1st gen via adapter)—unlocked drawing/education apps like Procreate.
- **Brighter Display**: 500 nits made it better for outdoor use than Air 2, despite no anti-glare.
- **No Always-On Siri**: Omitted to keep costs down, unlike iPhone 6s.

#### Legacy (as of November 2025)
Classified as **obsolete** by Apple (over 7 years since discontinuation)—no hardware service or parts available. It still runs **iPadOS 16** smoothly for web, email, streaming, and light productivity, with features like Stage Manager (limited by RAM) and external keyboard support. However, it misses iPadOS 17+ (e.g., no Apple Intelligence, no Pencil hover). Security patches ended in 2024, so avoid sensitive tasks. Many repurpose it as a kids' device, e-reader, or media player.

#### Best Use Cases Today
- **Education/Reading**: Pencil + brighter screen for notes/PDFs.
- **Streaming/Media**: 1080p video, 10-hour battery for Netflix/YouTube.
- **Family Tablet**: Affordable, durable, with parental controls.
- **Secondary Device**: Home automation or recipe viewer.

> **Verdict**: The iPad 5th gen was a **smart value play**—reviving the base iPad with Air-like design and iPhone power. It holds up for basics in 2025 but feels dated without lamination or modern iPadOS. For upgrades, look to the 10th-gen iPad (A14) for USB-C and better longevity. A solid "budget classic" for non-demanding users.