How to Tell if Your iPad Can Be Updated to the Latest iPadOS

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Learn if your iPad can be updated, despite its age
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As dependable and long-lasting as iPads can be, they, unfortunately, don't last forever. At a certain point, an iPad becomes too old to be able to download the latest iOS update . If you're struggling to download an iOS update or your apps are refusing to update, you may be wondering if your iPad is too old to handle it. This article is here to help answer that question, along with others that may come up as you figure out the fate of your iPad. We also have some expert tips from computer specialist Gonzalo Martinez and Apple support specialist Josef Storzi.

Updating an Old iPad

Generally, iPads can install updates for 5 to 6 years after they're made. Whenever Apple releases a new version of iPadOS, they will release a list of iPad models that are compatible with it. Old iPads can still be used, but won't have all of the same features and might be unable to install newer apps.

Section 1 of 6:

Is my iPad too old to update to iPadOS 18?

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  1. iPads from before 2019 (or iPad Pros before 2018) are too old to update to iPadOS 18. This is because new iPadOS updates utilize hardware or features that aren't present on older iPad models, so these models get phased out. The complete list of iPad models that can be updated to iPadOS 18 are: [1]
    • iPad (7th generation)
    • iPad (8th generation)
    • iPad (9th generation)
    • iPad (10th generation)
    • iPad (11th generation)
    • iPad Mini (5th generation)
    • iPad Mini (6th generation)
    • iPad Mini (7th generation)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation)
    • iPad Air (4th generation)
    • iPad Air (5th generation)
    • iPad Air (6th generation) 11-inch (M2)
    • iPad Air (6th generation) 13-inch (M2)
    • iPad Air (7th generation) 11-inch (M3)
    • iPad Air (7th generation) 13-inch (M3)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (5th generation) (M4)
    • iPad Pro 13-inch (7th generation) (M4)
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Section 2 of 6:

How do I know if my iPad is getting too old to use?

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  1. With each update, Apple releases a full list of devices that are able to download it. If you don't see your model on the list and it's more than 5-6 years old, your iPad is likely too old to handle a new update. [2]
    • The list of iPad models that are supported by the latest iPadOS version is on Apple's website here .
  2. App developers will often still let you run their apps on an older iPad for 2-3 years, even if your iPad can no longer update. After this time period, though, most apps stop being compatible with older versions of iOS. This may look like being unable to use the app unless you update to a new version of iOS or being unable to download new apps from the app store.
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Section 3 of 6:

How do you update an iPad that won’t update?

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  1. Unfortunately, there's no way to get past the limitations of your older iPad model if it's too old to update. These models don't have enough internal RAM to run the new and improved technology of later updates like iPadOS 16. Though your iPad is not necessarily obsolete (there are still ways to use an old iPad that can't update), you won't be able to download later versions of iOS. [3]
  2. If your iPad isn't too old for the latest update but it won't download, you may need to free up some space by deleting apps you don't use or photos and videos you have backed up on another device. To go through your storage space and determine what to delete, visit Settings followed by General . Next, click [Your iPad model] Storage . [4]
    • Alternatively, you can update your iPad by connecting it to your computer. If your Mac is running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open Finder. If your Mac is running macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier or you have a PC, open iTunes. Next, connect your iPad to your device. After that, use Finder or iTunes to click Check for Update followed by Download and Update . [5]
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Section 4 of 6:

Can I still use an iPad that can't update?

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  1. You may not be able to update it anymore, but you can usually still use it for a few more years. Some ideas include: [6]
    • A music player: Download your music library onto your iPad and hook it up to a Bluetooth speaker to make it a designated music player.
    • A television remote . Many television companies allow you to download apps that let you use your device as a remote control. If your device is still able to download apps, download the compatible app for your television.
    • GPS navigation. Keep your iPad in your car and use it as a navigation system. This will only work if your iPad supports Maps or another navigation app.
Section 5 of 6:

What can I do with an iPad that's too old?

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  1. iPads, including the iPad Pro, iPad (first generation), iPad Air, and iPad mini, may be eligible to trade in with the Apple store if you're planning on upgrading. Bring in your old iPad model when you go to purchase a new iPad, and, if the model is eligible to be traded in , you can put the amount the product is worth towards the price of your new iPad. [7]
  2. It's possible that your iPad is too old to trade in for a credit. In that case, you can bring your iPad to the Apple store and they will recycle it for you. That way, your iPad can be repurposed and responsibly disposed of. [8]
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Section 6 of 6:

How can I speed up an old iPad that runs slowly?

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  1. According to Martinez, running a ton of apps will slow down an older iPad. [9] Review and delete your apps by visiting Settings followed by General . After that, click [Your iPad model] Storage . You can also delete them by holding down the icon on your home screen and clicking the "x" mark on the top right corner. [10]
  2. This can potentially help you speed up your iPad. Press the Sleep/Wake button on the top right corner of your iPad and hold it down. Next, a "Slide to Turn Power Off" option will appear. Slide the control to the right and leave your iPad off for a few seconds. After that, turn your iPad back on by holding down the same top button. [13] Do so until you see the Apple logo on your iPad screen.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/ipad-models-compatible-with-ipados-18-ipad213a25b2/ipados
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/supported-models-ipad213a25b2/ipados
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201435
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201435
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203097
      6. ↑ https://www.slashgear.com/880520/12-best-uses-for-old-ipads/
      7. ↑ https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
      8. ↑ https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
      9. ↑ Gonzalo Martinez. Computer & Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 25 Jul 2019.
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210141
      2. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      3. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210631

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