iPadOS 18 supported devices

Apple's iPadOS 18, the latest iteration of its operating system for iPads, comes packed with new features and performance improvements. Each new version of iPadOS brings significant enhancements, but not all iPads are eligible for the update. Apple typically drops support for older models as the hardware becomes unable to support the increasing demands of the software. As iPadOS 18 introduces new capabilities like more advanced multitasking, enhanced widgets, and improved privacy features, only specific iPads with the required hardware can upgrade to the latest version.

Key Features of iPadOS 18

Before diving into the list of supported devices, here are a few notable features expected in iPadOS 18:

• Multitasking Improvements: Apple continues to refine its multitasking interface, adding new gestures and easier ways to use multiple apps simultaneously.
• Customizable Lock Screen Widgets: A more dynamic and customizable lock screen will allow users to place widgets for at-a-glance information, similar to iOS.
• Enhanced Privacy Controls: Building on Apple’s privacy-first focus, iPadOS 18 offers even more ways for users to control app permissions, especially concerning location and microphone access.
• More Advanced Machine Learning Integration: As Apple leans more into AI and machine learning, tasks such as photo editing and predictive text will become even more intelligent.

List of Compatible iPads for iPadOS 18

The iPads eligible for the iPadOS 18 update typically have newer hardware capable of handling the system’s resource-intensive features. These devices include models with at least an A12 Bionic chip or newer, providing the processing power necessary for the latest software. Here’s the full list of iPads that are compatible with iPadOS 18:

1. iPad Pro Series
   The iPad Pro models, known for their powerful hardware, are among the first in line for iPadOS updates. All models with the A12Z Bionic chip or newer are compatible.

   • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
   • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
   • iPad Pro 10.5-inch
   • iPad Pro 9.7-inch (limited due to its older hardware)

2. iPad Air Series
   The iPad Air, known for its balance between power and portability, will see many of its recent models eligible for iPadOS 18.

   • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
   • iPad Air 4th generation (2020) features an A14 chip and fully supports iPadOS 18.
   • iPad Air 5th generation (2022)

3. iPad Series (Standard)
   The standard iPad models, which are often more affordable and used widely, will see updates for models that feature the A12 Bionic chip or newer.

   • iPad (8th generation and later) with the A12 chip and newer.
   • iPad (9th generation, 2021), which has the A13 chip.
   • iPad (10th generation, 2022)

4. iPad Mini Series
   The iPad Mini, a smaller but highly capable tablet, will receive the iPadOS 18 update for its most recent models.

   • iPad Mini (5th generation and later), with an A12 Bionic chip.
   • iPad Mini 6 (2021), which features the A15 chip.

Dropped Devices: iPads Not Eligible for iPadOS 18

With each new version of iPadOS, Apple typically phases out support for older devices whose hardware can no longer keep up with software demands. Devices that do not meet the system requirements for iPadOS 18 include those with chips older than the A12 Bionic. Some of the notable devices that will not receive iPadOS 18 include:

• iPad (7th generation and earlier): These devices run on older chipsets (like the A10 Fusion chip), which are no longer able to handle the new software's demands.
• iPad Mini (4th generation): This model runs on the A8 chip, which is significantly outdated compared to current hardware.
• iPad Air 2: Despite having supported many versions of iPadOS, this model, which runs on the A8X chip, has now reached the end of its update cycle.
• iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generations): Even though they are part of the Pro series, these models use the A9X and A10X chips, which are now considered too outdated for iPadOS 18.

Why Older Devices Are Dropped

Apple’s decision to drop support for older iPads is usually based on several factors, including hardware limitations and user experience concerns. As iPadOS evolves, the system requires more advanced graphics, CPU, and memory performance, which older devices can no longer provide. Running the latest software on older hardware can result in lag, slower app performance, and battery drain, all of which diminish the user experience.

Additionally, many of the new features in iPadOS 18, such as improved multitasking and machine learning enhancements, rely heavily on more advanced processors like the A12 and beyond. As a result, older iPads simply do not have the computing power to support these features effectively.

Impact on Users and the Upgrade Cycle

The exclusion of older iPads from iPadOS 18 will prompt some users to upgrade their devices if they wish to access the latest features and security updates. Apple often incentivizes users to upgrade by introducing key functionalities that are exclusive to the newest versions of iPadOS. However, users who choose not to upgrade their hardware can still use their iPads on the last supported version of iPadOS, although they will miss out on the latest features and may eventually face compatibility issues with new apps.

Moreover, Apple's consistent update cycle, coupled with its long-term software support (sometimes as long as 6–7 years for a single device), ensures that even when a device is no longer supported by the latest OS, it has likely enjoyed several years of regular updates.

iPadOS 18 is set to bring a host of exciting new features that will continue to refine and expand the functionality of Apple’s iPads. However, not all devices will be eligible for the update. Only iPads with the A12 Bionic chip or newer are supported, while older models are gradually phased out due to hardware limitations. For users of unsupported devices, this may be the moment to consider upgrading to a newer iPad to continue enjoying the latest software advancements and security improvements.