iPad Pro M1

iPad models generally only lose update support when their CPU/RAM configuration are insufficient to run a newer major version of iPadOS. The iPad Pro models represent cutting-edge performance and capability. Every existing iPad Pro can be updated to iPadOS16 when it is released on Monday 24th.

The principal differences between the fifth and sixth generation iPad Pro 12.9” - fourth and fifth generation iPad Pro 11” - are relatively minor internal hardware.

The new 2022 models of iPad Pro benefit from a upgraded SoC (M2 CPU) - whereas the 2021 models have the M1 CPU. The new M2 models provide some performance increase over that of the already mind-blowing M1 CPU - also with updated WiFi that now includes WiFi-6E support. Unless you posses one of the very latest WiFi routers, the tangible benefit of this latter enhancement may be limited.

The only other additional feature is the new “Hover” function for the Apple Pencil.

If contemplating an M1 iPad Pro, you should have no concerns for current capability or future support lifespan. Clearly all models will reach end-of-life, but you might reasonably anticipate a minimum support period of five to seven years - by which time technology will have inevitably moved a long way from where we are today 🙂

That will depend on the exact model / age of the iPad.

Apple generally supports iPads for around 5 to 7 years for software updates. Beyond that you can probably get a couple more years of app support, after which point apps stop being updated.

If you buy an older iPad Pro you of course loose a few years on that lifespan.

However, there's no ay to know for certain how long a device is going to be supported for, as Apple does not disclose this information and app developers can stop offering updates for their apps at an y point for any reason.

You are very welcome. Whichever model you choose, with either the M1 or M2 SoC, you will doubtless enjoy using your new iPad 🙂