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iPad I know the iPad 3 got iOS 7, but will it also get iOS 8 ?
- Thread starter MikeS007
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If the iPad 2 got iOS 7, the iPad 3 will probably get iOS 8. As long as the iPad 2 keeps getting updates, you can consider the 3 solid for at least one more update cycle. You may miss out on some features, but you'll get the overall bundle.
To be honest, the 2nd generation iPad should not have gotten iOS 7. It just does not perform quite well enough IMO.
Maybe. It makes an incredibly cost effective low cost education device for the masses of middle-high schools, etc.
iPad Mini regular could take it place though.
Yes
The iPad 3 is still more powerful than the iPad 2 & the current iPad mini. It has at least one more iOS verison update ahead of it...
The iPad 3 is still more powerful than the iPad 2 & the current iPad mini. It has at least one more iOS verison update ahead of it...
Who cares? You have 12 months until the iOS 8 upgrade, enjoy your device and stop worrying about whether it'll get an update or not. 
Evidence?
Oh you mean, your iPad 3 suddenly stopped working because Apple discontinued it, but still continues to support it with iOS updates
Evidence?
Oh you mean, your iPad 3 suddenly stopped working because Apple discontinued it, but still continues to support it with iOS updates
"support" is relative. It has the bare minimum support. No Airdrop, no translucency effects. The writing is on the wall; the iPad 3 was a rushed product full of inadequate hardware, and it will struggle to meet your longevity expectations.
I don't think it will perform well enough, but Apple kind of had to give it iOS7 as they are still selling it.
No Airdrop is a hardware limitation. Only devices announced after iPhone 5 (including the 5 as well) have the latest wifi chip needed for it to work.
I think it will get iOS 8 (not full functionality) and that's it.
It doesn't have AirDrop because it doesn't have the correct hardware. Just like the 4S doesn't have LTE.
You are correct though. The writing is on the wall that at some point the iPad 3 will no longer be supported. Its a shame that all the iPad 3s have mysteriously stopped functioning. Weird huh?
Except that the iPad mini has the exact same specs as the iPad 2 and I doubt they will stop supporting it with the next update.
Apple make a big deal out of how most iOS devices are on the latest OS version, and encourage developers to write Apps which only support the latest version of iOS.
You don't just buy a product like an iPad for what it can do out-of-the-box; you buy it factoring in longevity and 3rd-party App support. It's clear that for the iPad 3, those two factors will drastically fall short of many people's expectations.
It becomes an even bigger issue when you start considering iCloud. Will iOS7's iCloud remain compatible with whatever changes Apple might make in the future? My iPad 1 didn't even get iOS6, and as such is unlikely to ever support iCloud CoreData sync (which was overhauled in iOS7).
As for AirDrop, you're right that it's a hardware limitation. That doesn't mean it's not Apple's fault they didn't ship compatible hardware. Android smartphones have had chips with WiFi-direct support for ages.
You buy an iPad based on what it can do now, and you use your judgement on how much support you think it will get in the future. Your iPad 1 got three OS versions, that's pretty good.
I think you're just looking for things to complain about in regards to your 3 because you mention AirDrop which is a hardware limitation. Its like complaining that your iPad 1 didn't get LTE. You're also complaining about a feature of iCloud which may not work at some undisclosed time in the future.
The iPad 3 will fall short of your expectation, but only if you have unrealistic expectations.
I think you're just looking for things to complain about in regards to your 3 because you mention AirDrop which is a hardware limitation. Its like complaining that your iPad 1 didn't get LTE. You're also complaining about a feature of iCloud which may not work at some undisclosed time in the future.
The iPad 3 will fall short of your expectation, but only if you have unrealistic expectations.
Not true! My magic 8ball just told me that iOS9 is going to run on my iPad3 and that "signs point to yes" that I'll live to be 110.