How long will iPad Air 2 be functional?
I have an iPad Air 2 . It stopped updating beyond 14.8.1. I am thinking of giving it to one of my older family members who uses it only to watch some shows. Will it work properly?
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The iPad Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.7.8 - this being current supported version for your iPad . This model does not support iPadOS16 or later.
These support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:
Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support
If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support
If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support
iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support
Be aware that while your iPad is capable of update, with iPadOS14 installed you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.
Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support
Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support
Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support
Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support
If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:
How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support
You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.
While future major versions of iPadOS will not be available for your iPad, Apple may continue to periodically release point security updates for devices that cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 15.x. Most App Developers continue to support at least the current and immediately preceding one or two major versions of iOS/iPadOS - some for even older versions.
As such, you might reasonably anticipate the majority of third-party Developers continuing to update and support Apps for your iPad Air2 until at least until this time in 2024 - some much longer. Perhaps consider your current iPad to be within its "twilight" period of App support - with, over time, dwindling opportunity for App updates.
