New: iPadOS 18 Drops 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.

In other words, iPadOS 18 will drop support for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Support for the sixth-generation iPad, which uses the regular A10 Fusion chip, is also being dropped. However, iPadOS 18 will continue to work on the seventh-generation iPad, according to the source.

iPadOS 18 will therefore be compatible with the following iPad models:

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

Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 alongside iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins June 10, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September.

Apple is expected to introduce a slew of AI-related features, collectively dubbed "Apple Intelligence," but only iPads powered by an M1 chip or later will support on-device AI capabilities.

Apple also plans to introduce a built-in Calculator app for the iPad with iPadOS 18. The app will be a "universal" app able to run on the iPhone, iPad, and macOS, allowing for a similar look and function across all three devices.

To kick off WWDC 2024, Apple will hold a keynote event on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to announce the new software. For those unable to watch the live stream, or who prefer to read a text version of the announcements, we'll have live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive X (Twitter) account, so make sure to follow.

Article Link: New: iPadOS 18 Drops Support for These iPad Models

 

[boak]

A10+3GB supported but A10X+4GB dropped??

 

[d5aqoëp]

A10X really has the power to run iOS 18. Forced obsolescence.

 

[BMox81]

Another year of updates for the now infamous 2018 iPad Pro?!

What a device it’s been.

 

[Moukee]

A10+3GB supported but A10X+4GB dropped??

Just goes to show that Apple could easily support way more devices than they currently do. They supported iPadOS 16 and 17 on iPads with A10(X), but the iPhone 7 with the same A10 chip only got to iOS 15 for example.

 

[oofio2461]

A10X is still capable, no reason to drop it for iPadOS 18. I don't think Apple wants any devices ending in ios/ipados 17 due to its bad reputation (photos bug).

 

[MilaM]

I'm not complaining about Apple's software support for iOS devices. But I think manufacturers should be obliged by law to give users the possibility to root the devices once they stop getting updates and patches.

 

[W£S]

I don’t mind if it means they are allowing more power and functionality on the new iPad OS, eg better file mgt system, better multi tasking, MacOS apps

 

[Danilamak]

So most of the time 6 years of support? It’s huge, just asking

 

[W£S]

I'm not complaining about Apple's software support for iOS devices. But I think manufacturers should be obliged by law to give users the possibility to root the devices once they stop getting updates and patches.

But why would any company do so that makes their devices less secure?

Apple does provide security updates even for those that doesn’t get the latest OS

 

[mrochester]

I'm not complaining about Apple's software support for iOS devices. But I think manufacturers should be obliged by law to give users the possibility to root the devices once they stop getting updates and patches.

Is there any law preventing you from doing this?

 

[MilaM]

But why would any company do so that makes their devices less secure?

Apple does provide security updates even for those that doesn’t get the latest OS

Rooting would mean, that you could load a linux distro and therefore use the device for other purposes. I'm not talking about opening up iOS as such.

 

[MilaM]

Is there any law preventing you from doing this?

There are no laws preventing you, but technical hurdles like a locked boot loader.

You can already do that on Apple Silicon devices running macOS by the way. Only iOS based devices are completely locked.

 

[dumastudetto]

Great news for customers who use reasonably modern iPads. For everyone else, time to upgrade!

 

[dannyyankou]

So an iPhone with an A12 chip can run iOS 18, but an iPad Pro with an A12x chip can't run iPadOS 18? Strange.

Edit: Nevermind, I misread the article

 

[boak]

So an iPhone with an A12 chip can run iOS 18, but an iPad Pro with an A12x chip can't run iPadOS 18? Strange.

iPad Pro 2018 will get iPadOS 18

 

[sixers22]

For me (if the rumour is true) this just further cements how good of a purchase the 2018 iPad Pro was. I absolutely love mine, battery life is still pretty good, and I still don't have a reason to upgrade to a new iPad Pro .

 

[gagaliya]

this is such bs, my iPad Pro 2nd gen works perfectly, why is support being dropped, just block the ai features but let the iPad still get the latest os compatibility.

 

[Icelus]

iPad mini 2019 has a A12?

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

I don’t mind if it means they are allowing more power and functionality on the new iPad OS, eg better file mgt system, better multi tasking, MacOS apps

Don’t hold your breath.

 

[Abstract]

Why does an iPad 7 still get support?

Must be a legal obligation in some country, somewhere, to support products sold within X years. iPad 7 was released in 2019, while iPad Pro 10.5" and iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd gen) were released in 2017.

Great news for customers who use reasonably modern iPads. For everyone else, time to upgrade!

The product will still work as good as it always had. It just won't get new features, many of which people don't really care about until it's WAY behind.

 

[JosephAW]

My brother just recently upgraded from an iPad mini 4 to an iPad mini 5, I don’t think he’s gonna see an update. It started with iOS 12

 

[Andres Cantu]

A10+3GB supported but A10X+4GB dropped??

iPad sales are not where Apple wants them to be.

That’s the real reason.

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

this is such bs, my iPad Pro 2nd gen works perfectly, why is support being dropped, just block the ai features but let the iPad still get the latest os compatibility.

While I can see where you’re coming from - is there anything rumored that you’re really looking forward to?
The point being, you don’t really need to update to it. Considering what issues I had with previous iOS/iPadOS versions, I am seriously contemplating waiting a good long while until I upgrade. If at all.

 

[rembert]

I'm not complaining about Apple's software support for iOS devices. But I think manufacturers should be obliged by law to give users the possibility to root the devices once they stop getting updates and patches.

This is exactly why I won’t buy any new iPad. I’ve had three, all of them became obsolete due to Apple’s decision to stop supporting these all too soon. All three are flawless, no scratch, more than decent battery life and fast enough for the tasks I was using them for, including electronic banking. Without security updates that’s a no-go for me.
I hate to add such an otherwise perfectly alright devices to the huge pile of e-waste or to have them recycled.

Please take your environmental responsibility Apple and at least allow rooting. Or provide eternal (10+ years at least) security updates for your devices. Apple won’t do this unless forced by the market. So, I won’t buy any more iPads.