iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models

[MacRumors]

iPadOS 18 will drop support for iPad models equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.

This means that iPadOS 18 would not be compatible with the first-generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro or the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2017. It almost certainly means that iPadOS 18 would drop support for iPad models powered by the regular A10 Fusion chip too, including the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPads.

The post was spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, and it has since been deleted. However, this was likely because the account prefers to keep a low profile, and many of its previously-deleted posts contained accurate information.

If this rumor is accurate, iPadOS 18 would be compatible with the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro: 2018 and later
• iPad Air: 2019 and later
• iPad mini: 2019 and later
• iPad: 2020 and later

Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September. So far, key new features rumored for the update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and more, and RCS support in the Messages app.

The same source also expects iOS 18 to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17.

Article Link: iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models

 

[abatabia]

Given the state of iPadOS, this is not the end of the world. My still in use iPad Air 2, which I turn on once a week, is stuck on 15 and I hardly miss a thing.

 

[Jhonjhon236]

My iPad 6 has had a good run… I guess it is time to sell before it becomes unsupported

 

[3530025]

Good to know iPad Pro gets 6 years of support.

 

[azentropy]

Would be a bummer to lose support on my secondary iPad Pro 10.5 (2017).

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Makes sense, the A10X was the last without a dedicated neural processing Unit.

 

[ajisaputrarakasiwi]

Me reading this using iPad Air 1

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Edit: Reading comprehension problems.

 

[yayarod]

This is no news. I already knew that iPadOS 17 would be the last upgrade possible for my 2017 10.5 iPad Pro when the upgrade was released on September 2023.

 

[SactoGuy18]

This is no news. I already knew that iPadOS 17 would be the last upgrade possible for my 2017 10.5 iPad Pro when the upgrade was released on September 2023.

Hence the reason why I am replacing myh iPad Pro 10.5" with an iPad Pro 12.9" 512 GB within the next few days. Or wait for the rumored iPad Air 12.9" if Apple offers a 512 GB version.

 

[Gloor]

This is a better way to report, take notice Macrumors. As you can see, no need for 2 articles.

Rumor: These are the devices that will support iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 - 9to5Mac

iOS 18 will be announced at WWDC in June, and is rumored to be one of the biggest updates ever...

9to5mac.com

I think we would appreciate it more for the simplicity also.

Thank you

iPadOS 18 will drop support for iPad models equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.

This means that iPadOS 18 would not be compatible with the first-generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro or the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2017. It almost certainly means that iPadOS 18 would drop support for iPad models powered by the regular A10 Fusion chip, including the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPads.

The post was spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, and it has since been deleted. However, this was likely because the account prefers to keep a low profile, and many of its previously-deleted posts contained accurate information.

If this rumor is accurate, iPadOS 18 would be compatible with the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro: 2018 and later
• iPad Air: 2019 and later
• iPad mini: 2019 and later
• iPad: 2020 and later

Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September. So far, key new features rumored for the update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and more, and RCS support in the Messages app.

The same source also expects iOS 18 to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17.

Article Link: iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models

 

[Reverend Benny]

Strange to drop the 10,5 pro but not the 10.5 air. The pro has more memory than the Air.

 

[tipoo]

It's weird already that the iPad with the A10 is still fully up to date, showing the A10 could have done it, but the iPhone 7 with the A10 was dropped two full OS's ago. Guess it's more based on last sales date than chip compatibility.

 

[Stromos]

Wait what? The iPad Mini 5th generation is going to lose support? That would mean they only support N and N-1 generation of mini's (Assuming a 7th generation mini is announced)? That's... nuts.

iPad Mini has always been a afterthought device made with old parts laying around so I’m really not surprised.

This is coming from someone who hopes every year for a Mini Pro. I hate anything bigger than the Mini.

 

[kiranmk2]

Strange to drop the 10,5 pro but not the 10.5 air. The pro has more memory than the Air.

The 10.5" Air (and 2019 Mini) has an A12 chip which has the neural engine which is likely the criteria for support. The lowest Air, iPad and Mini supported all have 3 GB RAM.

 

[Reverend Benny]

The 10.5" Air (and 2019 Mini) has an A12 chip which has the neural engine which is likely the criteria for support. The lowest Air, iPad and Mini supported all have 3 GB RAM.

Well since they are going down the AI route its prob correct.

 

[Kissmo1980]

I have the feeling iPad OS will be the same banana like it always has been with some AI.

While I am not complaining about the latest enhancements, it just feels like a Ferrari with and aggressive speed limitation applied (60mph/100hm/h top limit)

It could be so much more and it doesn't get enough love.
Amazing HW on an OK-ish OS....

Apple, please give us a propper OS for it 🙏🏻

 

[nicho]

Wait what? The iPad Mini 5th generation is going to lose support?

No?

 

[Mr_Ed]

Meh. I’m one of those who keeps iPads years after support is dropped, either for myself or as hand-downs to my kid. I’ve only ever upgraded when I felt I would like a bit more speed. Nothing about an OS or hardware update has ever been compelling enough for me to jump on it.

 

[RoadWarrior56]

Wait what? The iPad Mini 5th generation is going to lose support? That would mean they only support N and N-1 generation of mini's (Assuming a 7th generation mini is announced)? That's... nuts.

The way I read the article, the Mini 5th Gen would still be supported, since it came out in 2019. I own that model as well.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

My 11” is a 2018 model.

If it doesn’t receive updates, I’ll upgrade.

Shame, as my current one works perfectly.

 

[iAppleOrchard]

Now the question is...

What about Macs?
(Also this is why you SHOULD NOT buy the iPad 9, because it is just going to get dropped in 2 years...)

 

[CarAnalogy]

Given the state of iPadOS, this is not the end of the world. My still in use iPad Air 2, which I turn on once a week, is stuck on 15 and I hardly miss a thing.

God I wish my iPad had been “stuck” at 15, before they ruined the TV app.

 

[Mr_Ed]

My 11” is a 2018 model.

If it doesn’t receive updates, I’ll upgrade.

Shame, as my current one works perfectly.

But is there something you are specifically looking for that a new iPad provides? If so, by all means, upgrade. If not, I would consider delaying the point where the old one gets discarded. Of course, if it’s a case of “been a while since I treated myself to a new toy”, most of us here can relate to that as well 😁

 

[ignatius345]

I really wish Apple was better at making sure a supported OS doesn't wreck a device's usability. I have an old iPad Mini 4, and kept updating it as long as it would allow. iPadOS 15 absolutely murdered it, and it's absurdly slow now. Up to some point (iPadOS 14 maybe?) it was still zippy and responsive. Still keep it around for the kid to watch cartoons, but it's not usable for much beyond that.