iPad Air Should I fix an iPad Air 1?

[ftaok]

I got tasked to fix my mom's iPad Air (1st gen). She's replaced it already with a new 10.2 iPad, so she doesn't need the iPad Air anymore.

It's a 16GB Wifi model and I see that prices go from $75 to $125 or so. I'm 95% sure that the issue is that it needs a new battery. Apple is charging $99 plus tax to replace the battery. The iPad itself is in very good shape and a fresh OEM battery would give it several more years of life. I'm leaning towards fixing it.

The local fixit place also charges $100, but I don't know if they use an OEM battery ... probably not.

I could also get a decent battery for $40 (maybe less) and fix it myself, but my eyes aren't as good as they used to be and iPads are a lot more difficult to work with than iPhones (which is more my speed).

The last risk is that the battery isn't the problem and now I've sunk $100 into it and didn't fix the problem.

Any suggestions. Maybe I'm just looking for folks to agree with me so I feel better about the decision. Thanks.

 

[rui no onna]

Bring it to Apple and have them inspect it for free. You can always choose to decline the out of warranty replacement or battery service.

 

[doolar]

You really don’t want to use an Air 1 these days. I just replaced my son’s with a new 8th gen. Wow, what a difference. The old Air is really dog slow on anything but the very lightest of tasks. Let it go gracefully, it’s had its prime (and then some).

 

[sananda]

As mentioned above, let Apple diagnose the problem. If it is the battery and you decide to replace it, I think you should let Apple do it because you will get a fresh blemish free iPad with an oleophobic coating (which has no doubt largely worn off if yours is anything like mine).

But on the whole I think the original iPad has had its day and, for most people, it isn't cost effective to spend on it.

 

[frank4]

ftaok, what is the problem with that iPad Air and why do you think it’s the battery?

I’m posting this on my workhorse original iPad Air, it still works decently, although recently on some websites (especially those with lots of distractions and ad link crap) it needs to reload the page.

I will probably be soon retiring my Air to kitchen duty or similar as I’ve noticed how much faster my iPhone 8 is, and the latest basic iPads are even faster so that’s what I’ll get.

 

[Momof9]

look up what to do with old tablets - ie digital photo frame, keep it plugged in all the time.... so no money sunk

 

[ftaok]

Thanks for the replies. I have some specfic followups below.

ftaok, what is the problem with that iPad Air and why do you think it’s the battery?

I’m posting this on my workhorse original iPad Air, it still works decently, although recently on some websites (especially those with lots of distractions and ad link crap) it needs to reload the page.

I will probably be soon retiring my Air to kitchen duty or similar as I’ve noticed how much faster my iPhone 8 is, and the latest basic iPads are even faster so that’s what I’ll get.

The symptoms are that it won't turn on and you get the drained battery symbol telling you to plug it in. When you plug it in, you don't get the charging indicator. After futzing with it for a while (per a YT video I saw), it managed to boot up. I was able to set it up and get past my mom's long forgotten iCloud lock.

Right now, it will boot up and run on battery for about 2 minutes before shutting down. I can keep it plugged in and use it indefinitely, but I'm not comfortable with the condition of the battery and worry that it will swell and really cause problems.

All of my research points to a bad battery.

look up what to do with old tablets - ie digital photo frame, keep it plugged in all the time.... so no money sunk

What I intend to do with this iPad would be to read comics. I have an iPad mini 2 that I used to use for this, but it developed a bad screen artifact, so I bought a Kindle Fire and I absolutely hate. Worst $50 I spent in my life on a tech product.

I might use garage band on it to mess around and record my guitar, since my iPhone doesn't have a headphone jack, I can't plug in my guitar and listen via headphones at the same time. Plus the larger screen would be useful.

do it because you will get a fresh blemish free iPad with an oleophobic coating (which has no doubt largely worn off if yours is anything like mine).

But on the whole I think the original iPad has had its day and, for most people, it isn't cost effective to spend on it.

Are you saying that Apple would replace the iPad that I have with a "fresh - refurbed" iPad Air 1? That might totally be worth it. $100 wouldn't be that big of a deal if I get a virtually new ipad.

Also, it's an Air, not the original iPad. I actually have an iPad 2, that I've kept at iOS7 since that was the last iOS version that could play iTunes DRM'd movies via Safari. So I can play all of my Digital Copy Movies off of a thumbdrive ... but I can't tell you the last time I actually did that.

 

[rui no onna]

Are you saying that Apple would replace the iPad that I have with a "fresh - refurbed" iPad Air 1? That might totally be worth it. $100 wouldn't be that big of a deal if I get a virtually new ipad.

Yeah, they don't replace iPad batteries. They just replace the whole iPad with a refurb and likely send the returned iPad to China for refurbishing.

Note, condition of the iPad matters. Minor wear and tear is okay for $99 "battery replacement" but I think if it has major scuffs, they might charge the full OOW service fee (which is really more than the iPad is worth). Again though, there's no fee to have them check out the device and you can always decline service if you want.

 

[ftaok]

Yeah, they don't replace iPad batteries. They just replace the whole iPad with a refurb and likely send the returned iPad to China for refurbishing.

Note, condition of the iPad matters. Minor wear and tear is okay for $99 "battery replacement" but I think if it has major scuffs, they might charge the full OOW service fee (which is really more than the iPad is worth). Again though, there's no fee to have them check out the device and you can always decline service if you want.

One last question, if you don't mind.

When I use the Apple Support site, I can choose the local Best Buy down the street from me. It comes up as an Apple Authorized Service location.

Do you know how Best Buy would handle an iPad battery service? Would they happen to have a bunch of iPad Air 1's lying around, or would they try to take it apart to swap the battery?

Thanks.

EDIT - the iPad is actually in fantastic shape. My mom had it in a very rugged case and had a screen protector on it too. There's nothing on it other than minor wear and tear. Unless she dropped it in water and never told me, it's about as clean as you could hope for in such an old device.

 

[artfossil]

One last question, if you don't mind.

When I use the Apple Support site, I can choose the local Best Buy down the street from me. It comes up as an Apple Authorized Service location.

Do you know how Best Buy would handle an iPad battery service? Would they happen to have a bunch of iPad Air 1's lying around, or would they try to take it apart to swap the battery?

Thanks.

EDIT - the iPad is actually in fantastic shape. My mom had it in a very rugged case and had a screen protector on it too. There's nothing on it other than minor wear and tear. Unless she dropped it in water and never told me, it's about as clean as you could hope for in such an old device.

Based on a battery replacement for my (original, 2015) iPad Pro, the authorized service provider (such as Best Buy) will ship the iPad to Apple who will send back a refurbished unit. As noted above, batteries in iPads are not replaced.

 

[AutomaticApple]

digital photo frame

Keeping it plugged in all the time might not be so healthy for the battery.

 

[sananda]

Are you saying that Apple would replace the iPad that I have with a "fresh - refurbed" iPad Air 1? That might totally be worth it. $100 wouldn't be that big of a deal if I get a virtually new ipad.

Also, it's an Air, not the original iPad.

Yes, as others have already confirmed, I’m saying you will get a refurbished iPad Air.

And, sorry - I meant to say “original iPad Air” not “original iPad”.

 

[Tsepz]

I doubt you will get the return on investment you put into to fixing it, both in time and money. You would rather trade it or sell it for whatever you can get and replace it with an Air 3 at least if you want to keep your sanity. The iPad Air 1 had major RAM issues from day 1, there were a lot threads of people frustrated with not being able to multitask or run even 1 more safari browser tab due to it reloading all the time.

Also keep in mind that even if you plan on reading comics on it how much longer before the app stops supporting iOS 12 due to security concerns?

 

[rui no onna]

Also keep in mind that even if you plan on reading comics on it how much longer before the app stops supporting iOS 12 due to security concerns?

Depends on what app you use. I use ComicGlass for DRM-free comics (loaded via HTTP or SMB server) and it will pretty much work forever even if app updates for iOS 12 stop.

Comixology requires iOS 9 or 10 minimum at the moment, I believe.

 

[madeirabhoy]

Keeping it plugged in all the time might not be so healthy for the battery.

think the suggestion is not to replace the already buggered battery and keep it plugged in, which I would agree with tbh.

 

[gim]

As mentioned above, let Apple diagnose the problem. If it is the battery and you decide to replace it, I think you should let Apple do it because you will get a fresh blemish free iPad with an oleophobic coating (which has no doubt largely worn off if yours is anything like mine).

But on the whole I think the original iPad has had its day and, for most people, it isn't cost effective to spend on it.

I’m fairly sure you won’t get a new (or refurbished) iPad Air 1 back from a simple battery replacement service at Apple. These things are 8 years old and have been out of production for a long time.

That being said, I’d fix it myself. I’m typing this on an original iPad Air as well, and I’m planning to get a couple more years out of it. It’s completely fine for media consumption and such things.

 

[Digitalguy]

I’m fairly sure you won’t get a new (or refurbished) iPad Air 1 back from a simple battery replacement service at Apple. These things are 8 years old and have been out of production for a long time.

That being said, I’d fix it myself. I’m typing this on an original iPad Air as well, and I’m planning to get a couple more years out of it. It’s completely fine for media consumption and such things.

They don't need to be in production. For every iPad swap Apple will reuse the internals for another swap (so in theory with a couple of spare units they could go on forever). They only need a new battery, screen and case and those have been in production till the 2018 iPad.... Having said that the air 1 was discontinued 5 years ago, so Apple should end hardware support very soon, likely some time this year.

 

[sananda]

These things are 8 years old and have been out of production for a long time.

It was discontinued on 21 March 2016, so just over 5 years ago and I think, if I've understood this correctly, that means it became Vintage on 22 March 2021 and will become Obsolete on 22 March 2023. As it's now Vintage, hardware service from Apple is subject to availability of inventory so it is not necessarily the case that they will definitely be able to provide the battery service.

I share your surprise the Apple has the ability to replace things for so long. I asked for a battery service for my Apple Watch last week (which was discontinued on 7 September 2016) and expected a new battery to be put in my existing watch but was surprised to receive back a new or refurbished watch.

 

[JPack]

Personally, I'd trade it in at Apple and get a $60 gift card.

Put that $60 towards a new iPad, rather than trying to restore an A7-based device. Even an A9 iPad begins to struggle multitasking between Prime Video and Safari.

 

[Digitalguy]

It was discontinued on 21 March 2016, so just over 5 years ago and I think, if I've understood this correctly, that means it became Vintage on 22 March 2021 and will become Obsolete on 22 March 2023. As it's now Vintage, hardware service from Apple is subject to availability of inventory so it is not necessarily the case that they will definitely be able to provide the battery service.

I share your surprise the Apple has the ability to replace things for so long. I asked for a battery service for my Apple Watch last week (which was discontinued on 7 September 2016) and expected a new battery to be put in my existing watch but was surprised to receive back a new or refurbished watch.

Yes, but it's not on the vintage list yet... so technically, it's not vintage until then, but again given the dates it shouldn't take too long

 

[Tsepz]

Personally, I'd trade it in at Apple and get a $60 gift card.

Put that $60 towards a new iPad, rather than trying to restore an A7-based device. Even an A9 iPad begins to struggle multitasking between Prime Video and Safari.

100% this!

 

[ftaok]

Just to update this thread and to provide answers to some comments.

I took it into the Apple store yesterday. The tech noticed the screen wasn’t completely flat, he strongly suspects the battery is beginning to swell. Apple can still “replace” the battery for iPad Air 1 as I was offer battery service for $99. He suggested that I take the trade-in value to put towards a new iPad, but then remembered that the swelled battery voids it for trade-in.

I am going forward with the battery service. They have to order in an iPad Air 1 and will tell me when it comes in

The iPad Air will serve my needs well. I have an iPad mini 2 which is essentially the same device. The mini has a bad screen, so this iPad will replace it. Actually, it’ll replace the $50 kindle that I’ve been using. The kindle really sucks.

I’m not worried about this iPad being stuck on iOS 12. It’s fine for what I will use it for. I’ll read comics (marvel unlimited) and watch videos. Surf a bit on safari too. I can use garage band on it too if I feel like it.

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Just to update this thread and to provide answers to some comments.

I took it into the Apple store yesterday. The tech noticed the screen wasn’t completely flat, he strongly suspects the battery is beginning to swell. Apple can still “replace” the battery for iPad Air 1 as I was offer battery service for $99. He suggested that I take the trade-in value to put towards a new iPad, but then remembered that the swelled battery voids it for trade-in.

I am going forward with the battery service. They have to order in an iPad Air 1 and will tell me when it comes in

The iPad Air will serve my needs well. I have an iPad mini 2 which is essentially the same device. The mini has a bad screen, so this iPad will replace it. Actually, it’ll replace the $50 kindle that I’ve been using. The kindle really sucks.

I’m not worried about this iPad being stuck on iOS 12. It’s fine for what I will use it for. I’ll read comics (marvel unlimited) and watch videos. Surf a bit on safari too. I can use garage band on it too if I feel like it.

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

IMHO that $99 would’ve been much better served towards a new iPad ($299 on Amazon right now). For $200 more you have years more longevity (and a product that is superior in literally every way) instead of giving an old dog a new kidney. That iPad Air is eight years old - should’ve let it die.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Just to update this thread and to provide answers to some comments.

I took it into the Apple store yesterday. The tech noticed the screen wasn’t completely flat, he strongly suspects the battery is beginning to swell. Apple can still “replace” the battery for iPad Air 1 as I was offer battery service for $99. He suggested that I take the trade-in value to put towards a new iPad, but then remembered that the swelled battery voids it for trade-in.

I am going forward with the battery service. They have to order in an iPad Air 1 and will tell me when it comes in

The iPad Air will serve my needs well. I have an iPad mini 2 which is essentially the same device. The mini has a bad screen, so this iPad will replace it. Actually, it’ll replace the $50 kindle that I’ve been using. The kindle really sucks.

I’m not worried about this iPad being stuck on iOS 12. It’s fine for what I will use it for. I’ll read comics (marvel unlimited) and watch videos. Surf a bit on safari too. I can use garage band on it too if I feel like it.

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

That seems like a waste of burnt money.

 

[rui no onna]

I’m not worried about this iPad being stuck on iOS 12. It’s fine for what I will use it for. I’ll read comics (marvel unlimited) and watch videos. Surf a bit on safari too. I can use garage band on it too if I feel like it.

Note, the current Marvel Unlimited app requires iOS 11 or newer. They cut off support for iOS 10 around a year ago. Who knows how long iOS 12 will remain supported.

If this is an important function, I wouldn't waste money getting the iPad Air replaced. Better bang for the buck with an iPad 8th gen. Iirc, Marvel Unlimited is more aggressive than Amazon/Comixology at cutting off support for older iOS app versions (as in no library access at all if you're running an older app version).