If you’re interested in collecting old Apple devices, you may be wondering if the first generation iPad is still usable in 2021. The iPad first generation was unveiled on January 27, 2010, and the Wi-Fi model was released on April 3rd, followed by the cellular model on April 30th. It had an Apple A4 one gigahertz processor, 256 megabytes of RAM, and 16, 32, or 64 gigabyte storage configurations. It originally shipped with iOS 3.2 but can run up to iOS 5.1.1.
While this iPad was pre-Retina, it still had a 9.7 inch display with a 1024×768 resolution, as well as a 10-hour battery life just like every other iPad. When it was originally released, the price ranged from $499 to $699 USD.
So, is the first generation iPad still usable in 2021? According to Take It Out’s findings, it is technically usable for basic functions, such as sending a text message or taking notes. However, Safari is terrible, and app support is almost non-existent. The built-in YouTube app is no longer usable on iOS 5, and modern apps like Minecraft, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video are incompatible with the iPad first generation.
While the maps application, iMessages, and the iTunes store seem usable, the experience is miserably slow. Overall, it’s not recommended to buy the first generation iPad for any professional use. Instead, it’s best suited for collectors or those interested in experiencing a piece of Apple’s history.
In conclusion, the first generation iPad may have been groundbreaking at the time of its release, but it’s no longer practical in 2021. The lack of app support and poor performance make it unsuitable for most users. If you’re looking for an iPad for everyday use, it’s best to invest in a newer model.