Longevity of software support for iPad

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Longevity of software support for iPad

Hello,

I am thinking of switching to an iPad from a laptop for internet browsing, shopping, etc. because I don’t use a computer for anything else, most of the time.

My current computer still works after 10+ years, and I got a notification that my main web browser is no longer supported by updates.

So, how long does an iPad last, in terms of software being supported by updates?(I’ve been an iPhone user since the iPhone 4. I am currently using an iPhone 13 Pro.)

iPad Pro, 12.9-inch, 6th Gen, Wi-Fi

Posted on Feb 13, 2023 7:03 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

David McKinlay

Level 7

22,918 points

Feb 13, 2023 8:29 PM in response to BangersandBalladsMusicFan

The answer to how long hardware will be supported by updates can be answered only when it has ceased to be supported. All we can say is that the current iPad OS goes as far back as the models listed in Apple's support document iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 are compatible with these devices - Apple Support

The oldest of these are

iPad Pro 9.7-inch - 2016
iPad (5th generation) - 2017
iPad mini (5th generation) - 2019
iPad Air (3rd generation) - 2019

Models prior to these cannot enjoy iPad OS 16. Apple will announce the older models which will be left behind with iPad OS 17 at the time of its release, but this is the nature of software; it is in a state of constant improvement and older hardware cannot keep up with it. Your old Mac is a good example as it is probably forever left at High Sierra, or perhaps Catalina.

These older models will continue to work for some years to come without being updated. You mention a browser in your older Mac. If your browser of choice is Safari it won't be updated and you can switch to a third-party browser which will be updated, and from a security point of view you probably should. This is true also of Safari in iPad OS.

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,284 points

Feb 17, 2023 4:09 AM in response to BangersandBalladsMusicFan

iOS/iPadOS devices get a minimum of 5-6 years of full support from Apple

Another, additonal, 2-3 years of third party app support.

The 2014 iPad Air 2 has had the longest support from Apple, for a total of 8-years of full support with support ending at iPadOS 15.

That iPad is still getting support in the form of iPadOS 15 security “point” updates from Apple.

The latest security update for iOS/iPadOS 15 ONLY devices is iOS/iPadOS 15.8, I believe.

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Answer 3

Feb 16, 2023 9:35 PM in response to David McKinlay

Thank You, David.

I’ve had Windows computers for personal use. My first PC was weird because it had OS files from 2 Windows systems. It took a long time for IT at WVU to have it working properly. My next computer, a HP laptop, decided to die after less than 4 years of use. My Vaio laptop, built by Sony, has managed to last all this time(10+ years).

The optical drive needs to be replaced, but who even uses those on a regular basis anymore? I was able to use Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome on it, but eventually Safari and Firefox either became too buggy or became incompatible. Google Chrome can no longer be updated on my Vaio, running Windows 7.

My experience of use and iOS updates on my iPhones has been a smooth experience, and I feel secure to as of how Apple provides privacy during my web browsing.

I am ready for a smoother experience on a new iPad Pro for 5-7 years that will come with less unwanted surprises and disappointments, and the added benefit of syncing between my iPhone and iPad, along with iWork apps.

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Longevity of software support for iPad

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