Note: Apps and services that send or receive data over a cellular network, or that answer incoming calls, may incur additional fees.
Which iPad tablets are compatible with iPadOS 16?
Apple’s iPadOS 16 has finally arrived after the company delayed it for a few weeks to ensure it was truly ready for prime time. As a result, it skipped over version 16.0 and went straight to iPadOS 16.1 to match the corresponding iOS 16.1 release that came out at the same time for iPhone users.
Nevertheless, it packs in most of the new collaboration and multitasking capabilities that Apple showed off at its June Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
However, iPadOS 16 also gets its own unique set of productivity tools to edge Apple’s tablet closer to a more laptop-like experience. Unfortunately, all this extra power means Apple is leaving a few older iPad models off the list of compatible tablets this year. However, like its iPhone counterpart, it’s worth noting that iPadOS 16.1 won’t offer all the same features on older iPads as it does on Apple’s latest tablets. That’s a moot point for now, though, as external display support isn’t even coming to Apple’s latest M2-powered iPad Pro (2022) until iPadOS 16.2 arrives later this year. These featured the same A12 chip used in the iPhone XS a few months earlier, putting them merely a notch below their contemporary A12X-equipped iPad Pro models.
How long does Apple support iPads?
If you have an iPad already or are thinking of picking up an older one, maybe a refurbished model that would save you some money, it’s a good idea to find out how long it will still be able to use apps and services. Here’s a quick guide to how long you should expect an iPad to remain usable. The crucial thing is whether Apple will update the operating system software that runs on your iPad if it discovers a security flaw.
While Apple only issues updates with new features for the current version of the iPadOS, it does issue security updates to older versions of iPadOS, in order to keep older iPads secure.
While full iPadOS updates often require system resources that can be too much for older devices, security updates work under the hood and can usually keep an older model going for years after the point where it can receive a new version of iPadOS. This means that the real defining element of how long an iPad can last is security updates. Currently iPads that run the following versions of iPadOS are supported with security updates: It’s interesting to note that iOS 12, which runs on some iPads, was last updated in January 2023, but we don’t expect those devices to have coverage in the future. Despite this iOS 12 coverage, it is best to assume that anything prior to iPadOS 15 is no longer supported with security updates. The key is to know which version of iPadOS your iPad can run, that way you can identify whether Apple is still committed to updating it with security-related fixes.
If Apple drops support for iPadOS 15, then we can add the following to the list of unsupported iPads: As an example of a model that’s still supported by Apple, the iPad Air 2 made its debut in 2014, but received the iPadOS 15.7.9 update in September 2023, meaning that it’s still going almost nine years after its initial release.
Another senior model that received that update was the iPad mini (4th Generation) which came out in 2015. This means that in January 2023 Apple was supporting ten-year-old iPads with security updates, while in September 2023 the company issued a security update that was compatible with the then nine-year-old iPad Air 2. While security updates are important because they protect the user from those with malicious intent, if your iPad goes wrong you will want to know whether it will be possible to fix it.
Between five and seven years after Apple stops selling products it moves them into the Vintage list.
Then around seven years after Apple stops selling products they are moved into the Obsolete list. Therefore if it has been five years since Apple stopped selling an iPad you are unlikely to be able to get replacement parts if something goes wrong.
So it’s not surprising that when iPadOS 17 launches the following iPads will fall off the supported list since they are already vintage: Say your battery life falls off a cliff, you’ll need to still be within your one-year warranty period to have it repaired for free.
Apple does have a battery replacement service though, usually costing $99/£99 for a replacement and fitting, so this could prolong the hardware side of things for a good while (essentially up until it was moved to the vintage list five years after Apple stopped selling it).
Apple offers hardware servicing and parts for a range of older iPads, all at a cost of course. Naturally, a ten-year old iPad is an impressive feat of durability, but they won’t be as fun or powerful as a new one.
iPad models compatible with iPadOS 17
Note: Apps and services that send or receive data over a cellular network, or that answer incoming calls, may incur additional fees.
Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated?
In a technical sense, an obsolete device is one that the manufacturer no longer supports. Vintage iPads are not quite obsolete, but they don’t receive full support from Apple. Apple’s official definition of “vintage” is that they’ve been unavailable for sale for five to seven years. The following models are no longer sold, but these devices remain within Apple’s service window for iPadOS updates:
An iPad out of the service window isn’t necessarily useless because it no longer receives iPadOS updates. An older tablet makes a great tableside companion in your living room, an effective e-book reader, or a light-duty device for reading mail or checking your favorite websites. Still, the longer your iPad goes without updates from Apple, the more likely it is that security glitches could affect your tablet.
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 Pro Max
How long does Apple support iPads?
If you have an iPad already or are thinking of picking up an older one, maybe a refurbished model that would save you some money, it’s a good idea to find out how long it will still be able to use apps and services. Here’s a quick guide to how long you should expect an iPad to remain usable. The crucial thing is whether Apple will update the operating system software that runs on your iPad if it discovers a security flaw. While Apple only issues updates with new features for the current version of the iPadOS, it does issue security updates to older versions of iPadOS, in order to keep older iPads secure.
While full iPadOS updates often require system resources that can be too much for older devices, security updates work under the hood and can usually keep an older model going for years after the point where it can receive a new version of iPadOS. This means that the real defining element of how long an iPad can last is security updates.
Currently iPads that run the following versions of iPadOS are supported with security updates: It’s interesting to note that iOS 12, which runs on some iPads, was last updated in January 2023, but we don’t expect those devices to have coverage in the future.
Despite this iOS 12 coverage, it is best to assume that anything prior to iPadOS 15 is no longer supported with security updates.
The key is to know which version of iPadOS your iPad can run, that way you can identify whether Apple is still committed to updating it with security-related fixes. If Apple drops support for iPadOS 15, then we can add the following to the list of unsupported iPads: As an example of a model that’s still supported by Apple, the iPad Air 2 made its debut in 2014, but received the iPadOS 15.7.9 update in September 2023, meaning that it’s still going almost nine years after its initial release.
Another senior model that received that update was the iPad mini (4th Generation) which came out in 2015. This means that in January 2023 Apple was supporting ten-year-old iPads with security updates, while in September 2023 the company issued a security update that was compatible with the then nine-year-old iPad Air 2.
While security updates are important because they protect the user from those with malicious intent, if your iPad goes wrong you will want to know whether it will be possible to fix it. Between five and seven years after Apple stops selling products it moves them into the Vintage list.
Then around seven years after Apple stops selling products they are moved into the Obsolete list. Therefore if it has been five years since Apple stopped selling an iPad you are unlikely to be able to get replacement parts if something goes wrong.
So it’s not surprising that when iPadOS 17 launches the following iPads will fall off the supported list since they are already vintage: Say your battery life falls off a cliff, you’ll need to still be within your one-year warranty period to have it repaired for free.
Apple does have a battery replacement service though, usually costing $99/£99 for a replacement and fitting, so this could prolong the hardware side of things for a good while (essentially up until it was moved to the vintage list five years after Apple stopped selling it). Apple offers hardware servicing and parts for a range of older iPads, all at a cost of course. Naturally, a ten-year old iPad is an impressive feat of durability, but they won’t be as fun or powerful as a new one.
Wikipedia
The second-generation iPad Pro, unveiled in June 2017, had an upgraded A10X Fusion chip and swapped the 9.7-inch screen for a larger 10.5-inch display. The sixth- and current-generation iPad Pro, introduced in October 2022, includes the M2 chip, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes video.
Both sizes employed refresh rates up to 120 Hz, better HDR and TrueTone white balancing. It offers a redesigned camera module, an A12Z processor, 128 GB[a] minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner (<5m distance), and support for the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad that is sold separately. Smart Keyboard docks are specific with iPad Pro using the visible $connector: magnetic with three pins that provides data transfer and power. [27][28] During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.
[32] It is similar in design and specifications to the first model, but without the detachable connector, and part of the stylus is flattened to inhibit rolling. These adapters utilize the new USB-C connector, which allows the iPad to connect with HDMI cables, USB ports,[34] and read SD cards.
[35] Using an HDMI cable, users can connect their iPad to another display, such as a computer, laptop, or television.
The USB and SD card support allows user to transfer and save files to and from external memory storage devices. The Magic Keyboard features the first trackpad designed for an iPad, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard provided a proper typing experience and supplied a good trackpad bundled with excellent build quality.
[38] With the launch of 5th generation of iPad Pro on 20 April 2021, a white color has also been added to the Apple Store. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model. [43] Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price. [44] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.
The iPad Pro’s 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the 10.5-inch model’s high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.
Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper. The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from Forbes noted that despite the LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth. [50] The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones. [51] Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS’s limitations, including the lack of external storage capabilities, prevents the third generation from competing against computers. Users on forum boards have reported the iPad bending after a few days of use, or after carrying it around in a backpack.
[55][56] Nelson concluded that the “two weakest points [were] right dead center on either side of the iPad Pro, [and] the crack happened at the very poorly placed microphone hole and the new Apple Pencil 2 charging duct”. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue,[58] a response that has been criticized. The LIDAR sensor which Apple added for increased AR capability was touted as a feature only a handful of customers will use. [65] The Verge has criticized that they should have had multiuser support like the Mac but they gave positive reviews to the Mini-LED and cameras.
Can my iPad get iPadOS 17? Here’s every compatible model
The update brings new ways of customizing the lock screen, interacting with widgets, and working on PDFs in the Notes app. In addition to these changes, the update includes new sticker packs, which can add fun and creativity to your conversations.
Interestingly, the iPadOS 17 update works on the iPad 6th gen, which includes the A10 chipset. The feature lets you add 3D augmented reality effects like hearts, confetti, fireworks, and more on video calls.
This feature ensures you maintain a safe distance between your eyes and the iPad screen to avoid potential harm. However, this feature is only available on iPad Pro models due to the presence of Face ID sensors.
iOS version by device — iOS Ref
These tables show the first and maximum version of iOS or iPadOS for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Information about which devices are vintage/obsolete was obtained from this page.
Apple iPad
The iPad is a line of tablet based computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. that use Apple’s iOS and iPadOS mobile operating system. Apple maintains a list of Supported iPhone models on its website.
Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016)
Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2016) We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
iPadOS 17 compatibility: What iPads are supported?
We’ve gotten a second prediction about what iPads will lose compatibility when Apple releases its next major software update this year. In early April, we saw our first rumor of what iPhones and iPads would lose support with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17.
It came from an anonymous Twitter account that has correctly predicted details about Apple software updates in the past. Now iPhoneSoft has shared it has heard from a source at Apple about iPadOS 17 compatibility and it matches the first rumor.
Another thing to keep in mind, even though iPads from 2017 and on should be compatible with iPadOS 17, older devices generally don’t support all the latest features and capabilities that come with the newest software.
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