IS MODEL MD786LL/A iPAD OBSOLETE

The MD786LL/A corresponds to an iPad Air (1) first released in 2013 is not considered obsolete. It still is capable or updating to the most recent iOS version, iOS 12, and will continue to be supported with security updates for the foreseeable future.

When something becomes obsolete, is not something that can be determined ahead of time or in any general fashion.

Obsolescence comes from a conjunction of factors, which includes but is not limited to: loss of support from the manufacturer, inability to run current applications, inability to fulfill the owner's personal needs.

While loss of support and updates from manufacturer can contribute to obsolescence, they are not the determining factor.

People continue to use iPads from 2011 and 2012 without much issue, and they have not received any iOS updates since 2016. As long as it fulfills your needs it would not be considered obsolete to you. But it may be considered obsolete to someone who's needs exceed its capability at a particular point in time.

That iPad model number is for a 1st gen iPad Air.

That iPad model will go through a full year of iOS 12 updates, but from there no one will know, but Apple.

Apple will have supported that iPad for 6 years, by then.

Apple may stop future iOS upgrades/updates for this iPad at some future date, but app developers will still continue supoort for the 1st gen iPad Air for sometime to come.

There are many iDevice users still using 6 to 7 year old devices.

While I use a 3 year old iPad Pro, my wife and I still use 6 and 7 year old iPad 2 and 3 models.

These are still getting app updates.

Both these iPads still run/work okay, but do not run as fast as newer iPad models.

I just stopped using that really old, iOS built-in, iOS default Safari Web browser and many years, ago started using more current/recent, up to date and more secure, third party Web browsers still available for older iOS versions.

Your 1st gen iPad Air should be fine for, at least, another 2-3 years, or so, if you decide not to purchase a newer iPad anytime soon.

Good Luck to You!

Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Generally you'll see iOS updates for about 4 years or so.

Maximum iOS Version for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: Everyi.com