How much longer can an iPad Air 2 be used?

The iPad Air 2 cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 15.8. The current iPadOS is 17.2 and that cannot be installed on the iPad Air 2.

You can continue to use it. The problem that you might eventually encounter is if you want an app that requires an iPadOS version later than 15.8.

I’m not Fox, but I traded in my iPad Air 2 for a newer model almost three (3) years ago. Existing apps can become obsolete, and no longer run on an older OS version. That’s one of the reasons why I upgraded. An app that I used every day could no longer run properly on it. Although it hadn’t occurred yet on my iPad Air 2, I encountered problems accessing some websites in Safari on an obsolete Mac due to newer website coding. So it’s not just security issues that can affect an older browser version. (I was able to run different browsers for a while, but over time they would no longer update either.)

Equally important to me was that I wanted to be able to use an Apple Pencil 2. I don’t do art; nevertheless, the Apple Pencil 2 has been invaluable to me. It does cost extra, but it is worth every penny to me. I use Scribble every day, and I find document markup so much easier with one. Apple introduced an Apple Pencil with a USB-C port at a later date, which would probably do everything that I need at a lower cost. I do like the ability of the Apple Pencil 2 to charge when connected to my iPad. Use Apple Pencil with your iPad - Apple Support

YMMV

Hi Fox. So besides not being able to use future apps because of the OS, is there any other downsides (besides spending MORE money) to keep using the Air 2?

Thanks

I have an iPadAir2 but see that I now need to upgrade. Don't need a load a fancy stuff just apps that I can run such as IMBD which needs OS16 to operate. A pensioner, can't afford anything too technical or expensive, but something I can use for the next few years. What do you recommend, please?

I think that the iPad Air 2 can still be used because I bought it in 2016 and I am using it right now. If your a person that does not like old equipment I suggest getting something else like the iPad Pro m4. But I think it will work till the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. By the way mine has 128 gb

My iPad Air2 runs slow, especially when surfing the internet (both Safari & Brave). All my apps run fine. I've performed all the recommended fixes online (restart, stop background app refresh, latest possible software, etc.). My internet speed is ok and I have plenty of space available on my device.

Could a hard reset fix this, or is this likely due to the age of the device?

I forgot to mention that newer OS versions may add features and apps that you might find useful. For example, iPadOS 16 added Live Text, which can be used to lift text from photos, which I have found to be incredibly useful. So, do due diligence and checkout iPadOS new features before you make your decision.

What’s new in iPadOS 16 - Apple Support (IS)

https://www.apple.com/ipados/ipados-17/pdf/iPadOS_All_New_Features.pdf

Smalltowntc1 wrote:

I just got me one and need some advice on it it’s my first time owning a iPad

The iPad Air 2 was first introduced in October 2014 – almost ten years ago. It originally shipped with iOS 8.1, and can run the latest release of iPadOS 15 – but can't run iPadOS 16 or higher. If yours is not already updated to the latest release of iPadOS 15, you may want to update it to that.

There is an online iPad User Guide.

Auntie_Ruthie wrote:

I have an iPadAir2 but see that I now need to upgrade. Don't need a load a fancy stuff just apps that I can run such as IMBD which needs OS16 to operate. A pensioner, can't afford anything too technical or expensive, but something I can use for the next few years. What do you recommend, please?

The current entry-level iPad10 is the cheapest of the current models.

The iPad10 represents a significant upgrade upon your existing iPad Air2, will run both the current version of iPadOS (at time of writing, this being iPadOS 17.6.1) and the imminent iPadOS 18.

EtonieE wrote:

Hi Fox. So besides not being able to use future apps because of the OS, is there any other downsides (besides spending MORE money) to keep using the Air 2?

Thanks

None that I can think of. Apple is still even doing security updates (but I wouldn't even be too concerned if they weren't). See: Apple security releases - Apple Support

EtonieE wrote:

Hi Fox. So besides not being able to use future apps because of the OS, is there any other downsides (besides spending MORE money) to keep using the Air 2?

Thanks

For security, Financial and similar Institutions often require that customers use computers that are both using a current/supported version of the computer's host Operating System - and a secure version of web browser software. Your iPad Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.8.x - but does not support iPadOS 16.x or later; iPadOS 17.x is current.

When your iPad (or other computer) cannot meet the required minimum requirements, you have no alternative than to replace the computer with a device and OS that does meet the required minima. This alone may ultimately determine the remaining time that your iPad remains viable/useable.

When older devices no longer benefit from regular security updates, the risk of an unpatched vulnerability being exploited increases.

For iPad, if need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS16/17.

Smalltowntc1 wrote:

I just got me one and need some advice on it it’s my first time owning a iPad

As a newcomer to iPad and iPadOS, there are many useful sources of information and guidance...

The iPad User Guide is a rich source of frequently overlooked information. The Guide for your iPad is available online using a web browser (such as Safari), or as an Apple Books download:

iPad User Guide - Apple Support

https://books.apple.com/book/id1567104892

The Tips App, installed by default on all new models of iPad, provides a brief introduction - and leads you to the online User Guide. In case you missed it - or if the App needs to be reinstalled - here is a link to the Tips App:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tips/id1069509450

Apple also has a huge YouTube Channel - containing videos and feature guidance:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Apple

There are also comprehensive guides for iCloud and Apple’s main productivity Apps, such as Numbers (spreadsheets), Pages (documents) and Keynote (presentations):

iCloud User Guide - Apple Support

Numbers User Guide for iPad - Apple Support

Pages User Guide for iPad - Apple Support

Keynote User Guide for iPad - Apple Support

You will also find many third-party Apps within the Apple App Store for almost every need. Each will have their own guidance notes or User Guides - usually built-in to the Apps, or easily accessible from the associated Developer’s website.

Be aware that if you have purchased an iPad Air 2 as indicated, this model can only be updated to iPadOS 15.8.x. The Air 2 does not support iPadOS 16 or later.

For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.2

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.8

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.5.1

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Pro 10.5"
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2)
• iPad (6th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

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