Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated?

If you have an obsolete or outdated iPad, it may be unable to run the newest apps, or it won't update existing apps. In a technical sense, an obsolete device is one that's no longer supported by the manufacturer. Here's a list of which iPads are still supported, which are discontinued but supported, and which are obsolete in 2020.

Obsolete Models in 2020

The following iPad models became obsolete on or before October 2020. In this case, obsolete means the models are both discontinued and unsupported by Apple. These devices don't support the latest versions of iPadOS.

• iPad, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), and iPad (4th generation)
• iPad Air
• iPad mini, mini 2, and mini 3

Discontinued but Supported

The following models are no longer sold, but these devices remain within Apple's service window for iPadOS updates:

• iPad Air 2nd and 3rd generation
• iPad mini 4
• iPad Pro, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation
• iPad, 5th, 6th, and 7th generation

Currently Sold and Supported

If you own one of these devices in the autumn of 2020, you're in excellent shape:

• iPad Pro, 4th generation
• iPad Air, 4th generation
• iPad mini, 5th generation
• iPad, 8th generation

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.