Obsolete Models
The following iPad models are obsolete. In this case, obsolete means the models are both discontinued and unsupported by Apple. These devices aren’t made anymore, and they don’t support the latest versions of iPadOS.
iPad: original, 2, 3, 4.iPad Mini: original
Vintage iPads
Vintage iPads are not quite obsolete, but they don’t receive full support from Apple. They may receive small updates including bug fixes. Apple’s official definition of “vintage” is that they’ve been unavailable for sale for between five and seven years. The following iPads fall into this category and may lose full support soon:
iPad 4iPad Air: 1 and 2.iPad Mini: 2 and 3.iPad Pro: 9.7-inch (1st generation) and 12.9-inch (1st generation).
Discontinued but Supported
The following models are no longer sold, but these devices remain within Apple’s service window for iPadOS updates:
iPad: 5, 6, 7, and 8iPad Air: 3 and 4.iPad Mini 5 iPad Pro: 2 (10.5-inch and 12.9-inch), 3 (11-inch and 12.9-inch), 4 (11-inch and 12.9-inch), and 5 (11-inch and 12.9-inch).
Currently Sold and Supported
The following devices are both available in stores and receive full software support from Apple, including both bug fixes and full iPadOS updates.
iPad: 9 and 10iPad Air 5iPad Mini 6iPad Pro 6 (11-inch and 12.9-inch)
Uses for Obsolete iPads
An iPad out of the service window isn’t necessarily useless because it no longer receives iPadOS updates. An older tablet makes a great tableside companion in your living room, an effective e-book reader, or a light-duty device for reading mail or checking your favorite websites. It’s okay to use the device until it dies. Still, the longer your iPad goes without updates from Apple, the more likely it is that security glitches could affect your tablet. So, don’t use an unpatched iPad for important or sensitive applications.
