What are the major iPad Versions released so far?
What's the version which will enable apps to be installed?
Which is the preferred version to go for that is economical and at the same time updateable?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad, iOS 10
As of December 2024, 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 15.8.3
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.10
iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.3
(*) obsolete
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.2
- iPad Pro 13" (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)
Different App Developers support older versions of iOS/iPadOS for different periods of time - many limiting availability and update support to the current and perhaps one or two previous major versions of iOS/iPadOS. As such, to maximise the period that Apps remain available, you would be best advised to purchase an iPad that can run at least the current version of iPadOS - currently iPadOS 18.x.
For iPad, Apple itself generally provides OS-update support for at least five years from release - noting that OS support from Apple may be longer than that of some App Developers.