What is the latest year for a ipad to still be updated, update must allow you tubes kids, I know 2012 is out

Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

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 16.7.7

(*) obsolete

As for robust cases that will resist bending, look for a case that has a solid polycarbonate back - such as those marketed by OtterBox and STMGoods:

Otterbox

https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/ipad

STM

https://www.stmgoods.com.au/product-category/ipad/

https://www.stmgoods.com.au/product-category/ipad-air/

https://www.stmgoods.com.au/product-category/ipad-pro/

See this page from the iPad User Guide.

iPad models compatible with iPadOS 17 - Apple Support

Autism-mom-x2 wrote:

The ipads that got bent were in otterbox defender cases. I had to switch to a different kind. He has prob bent at least 4-5 and Apple won’t replace them. When did apple start putting the magnetic strip for the pen? And which ipads have them on the bottom rather than the side? Thank you for replying

All current models of iPad that support the second generation Pencil have the magnetic charging dock at the centre of the long-edge of the iPad.

There is no internal space to accommodate the inductive charging electronics on either of the short edges. Consider that the bottom edge houses either one or two of the iPad speakers - plus the Lightning/USB-C port. Similarly, the top edge must again accommodate either one or two speakers, plus the forward-facing camera and FaceID sensor array.