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How can I tell if my iPad is too old to update to 11?

How can I tell if my iPad is too old to update to 11?

iPad 2 Wi-Fi

Posted on Sep 25, 2017 8:04 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 25, 2017 8:10 AM

The following list from iOS 11 - Apple are the iPads that can update to iOS 11:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    1st generation
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad
    5th generation
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2

The bottom of your post states you have an iPad 2. If that is correct, it will not update beyond iOS 9.3.5 and that is also true of the 3rd generation iPad. The 4th generation iPad will not update beyond iOS 10.3.3

If you aren't sure which model you have, see: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 25, 2017 8:10 AM in response to pennyfromellisville

The following list from iOS 11 - Apple are the iPads that can update to iOS 11:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    1st generation
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad
    5th generation
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2

The bottom of your post states you have an iPad 2. If that is correct, it will not update beyond iOS 9.3.5 and that is also true of the 3rd generation iPad. The 4th generation iPad will not update beyond iOS 10.3.3

If you aren't sure which model you have, see: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

Sep 26, 2017 10:16 AM in response to pennyfromellisville

The iPad 2, 3 and 1st generation iPad Mini are all ineligible and excluded from upgrading to iOS 10 AND iOS 11.

They all share similar hardware architectures and a less powerful 1.0 Ghz CPU that Apple has deemed insufficiently powerful enough to even run the basic, barebones features of iOS 10.

Why would you want to upgrade, anyways?

Since iOS 8, older iPad models such as the iPad 2, 3 and 4 have only been getting the most basic of iOS features.

Older iPad users get none of the newest and coolest cutting edge features that newer model iDevices, with better hardware specs, can handle with more aplomb.



Plus, the iPad 2 and 3 are the only two supported models left that use the much outdated 30 pin dock connector.



The same iPad 2 users who whined and moaned and groaned that both iOS 8 and 9 slowed down the performance of their iPad 2 models would come back, once again, in angry droves, with even more complaints of slowdowns under iOS 10.


FYI,

Just because your iPad 2 is no longer able to upgrade to the latest iOS doesn't mean your iPad 2 is suddenly useless.

Your iPad 2 will work as it always has and the apps you have installed on it will continue to update and receive some level of app updates relevent to your current iOS.

You have had four years of iOS upgrades and updates.

Your iPad 2 will still do everything it does now and you will, get, at least, another full year, perhaps two, if you decide you want to wait longer to get a new or newer iPad model.



Your iPad 2 is NOT, suddenly, becoming obsolete or useless.

So, your options are really keep using your iPad 2 or purchase a new iPad if you feel you need or want to.

Your current iPad 2 will still work and continue to receive app updates until sometime this Fall 2017 with the recent introduction of iOS 11, ALL support for older 32 bit iDevices and any iOS 32 bit apps will come to a final end.

Your iPad 2 will still work and function as it always has, but will no longer receive any more app updates after the Fall of 2017.

Your iPad 2 should STILL be receiving app updates, currently, but not for too much longer.

The final app updates your iPad 2 will receive will be its last!



This is why Apple introduced the new, lower cost 2017 iPad 5 model, in April

Apple is trying to get older iPad 2, 3, 4 and 1st gen Mini iPad users to upgrade to more modern iPad hardware in anticipation of the recent release iOS 11, which will render all older 32 bit iDevices obsolete.



Good Luck to You!

How can I tell if my iPad is too old to update to 11?

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