Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated?

iPads last a very long time, but they don't last forever

By
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Writer
  • University of Texas at Arlington
Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator.
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Updated on November 20, 2023
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

If you have an obsolete or outdated iPad, it may be unable to run the newest apps or update existing apps. In a technical sense, an obsolete device is one that the manufacturer no longer supports. Here's a list of iPads that are no longer supported or discontinued but supported and supported.

Envious-looking person seeing others with newer iPad models
Lifewire / Theresa Chiechi

Obsolete Models

The following iPad models are obsolete. In this case, obsolete means discontinued and unsupported by Apple. These devices aren't made anymore and don't support the latest versions of iPadOS.

  • iPad: Original, 2, 3, 4
  • iPad Mini: Original, 3
  • iPad Air: Original Wi-Fi

Vintage iPads

Vintage iPads are not quite obsolete, but they don't receive full support from Apple. They may receive small updates, including bug fixes. Apple's official definition of "vintage" is that they've been unavailable for sale for five to seven years. The following iPads fall into this category and may lose full support soon:

  • iPad: 5
  • iPad Air: Cellular, 2
  • iPad Mini: 2
  • iPad Pro: 9.7-inch (1st generation) and 12.9-inch (1st generation)

Discontinued but Supported

The following models are no longer sold, but these devices remain within Apple's service window for iPadOS updates:

  • iPad: 6, 7, and 8
  • iPad Air: 3 and 4
  • iPad Mini 5
  • iPad Pro: All 10.5-inch, 2nd through 5th generation 12.9-inch, 2nd through 5th generation 11-inch

Currently Sold and Supported

The following devices are available in stores and receive full software support from Apple, including bug fixes and full iPadOS updates.

  • iPad: 9 and 10
  • iPad Air 5
  • iPad Mini 6
  • iPad Pro 6 (11-inch and 12.9-inch)

Uses for Obsolete iPads

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.

It's okay to use the device until it dies. Still, the longer your iPad goes without updates from Apple, the more likely it is that security glitches could affect your tablet. So, don't use an unpatched iPad for essential or sensitive applications.

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