Apple not supporting older iPads?

The iPad 2 hasn't been produced since 2014. Its highly unlikely Best Buy has access to any they could be selling at this point.

I see they are selling some Refurbished iPad Air 2's. Those are still supported, can update to iOS 13, and are still being serviced by Apple.

Apple has 2 different Support scenarios.

1. Software Update Support.
2. Hardware and Service support.

Software updates are typically available for a device for 5 years after release.

Hardware and service support is generally available for longer than that as long as Apple has access to replacement parts or units.

You are mistaken. Nobody is selling the iPad 2 anymore. That came out in 2011, IIRC. This is what Best Buy is selling.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ipad-tablets-ereaders/ipad/pcmcat209000050007.c?id=pcmcat209000050007

Typically, a device that is no longer supported no longer gets updates to the newest operating systems or security updates. However, Apple recently had updates for very old cellular devices running 9.3.5 for GPS issues and security updates for devices that can be updated to iOS 12, but not iOS 13.

It all depends on your definition of supported.

The 1st gen iPad Air and iPad Mini 2 and 3 do not support the new iPadOS.

That does not mean that these iPad models are obsolete or no longer work!

The are still fairly up to date iPad models on the latest iOS 12.4.2 that Apple just recently released for these unsupported iPad models.

Moreover, 3rd party app developers will still continue to supoort these older iPad models for a couple more years, or so.

These older iPads are still valid iPad models that you will still find for sale on the retail market, for the immediate future.

Hello,

You can view a list of all supported iPad models using the following link.

iPadOS - Apple