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What is the oldest iPad that is functional?

M

mrk123

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 29, 2013
315
77
I bought one from 2012 and it's about as useful as a door mat. You cna browse internet and I used successfully as a camera live with my DSLR but that's about it.
I have a trip coming up soon and I will need access to my emails which run on Thunderbird, I use the Outlook app on my iPhone to access them on the move, but no way do I fancy managing 5 email address with outlook on my mobile.

I am not a tech bug, I don't need new and shiny, just stuff that works.

What is the oldest iPad I can get that is fully useable with all apps?
 
mrk123 said:
I bought one from 2012 and it's about as useful as a door mat. You cna browse internet and I used successfully as a camera live with my DSLR but that's about it.
I have a trip coming up soon and I will need access to my emails which run on Thunderbird, I use the Outlook app on my iPhone to access them on the move, but no way do I fancy managing 5 email address with outlook on my mobile.

I am not a tech bug, I don't need new and shiny, just stuff that works.

What is the oldest iPad I can get that is fully useable with all apps?
Click to expand...
Get one that is "supported" as in are getting security updates and has the latest iOS/iPadOS version (iOS/iPadOS 18 is the latest).

The choices I can think of that are supported are:

Ipad Air 3 and above
Ipad Pro 11"
Ipad Pro 12.9" (the one without a homebutton).
Ipad 7 and above
Ipad Mini 5 and above

Some of them has the lightning connector, some USB-C. If you have a pile of i-gadgets that use lightning and not many USB-C chargers it might be an idea to get that.
 
Any of these should work:

iPadOS 18 is compatible with these devices.​

  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Air (M2)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (7th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)
iPad 7th gen is the cheapest but I would avoid the oldest models if you're looking for longevity. If you want something with some power look for ones with an M series chip, or at the very least an A14 chip.
 
Paddle1 said:
Any of these should work:

iPadOS 18 is compatible with these devices.​

  • iPad Pro (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Air (M2)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (7th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)
iPad 7th gen is the cheapest but I would avoid the oldest models if you're looking for longevity. If you want something with some power look for ones with an M series chip, or at the very least an A14 chip.
Click to expand...
I pad 7 - so about £80/$100??
 
Paddle1 said:
Yes. I wouldn't expect it to be the fastest device but your apps should at least be compatible for a couple of years.
Click to expand...
Mainly need for outlook app and emails,, off travelling for 10 days and will need access to emails (not on tiny iphone screen). Thanks. I might even see if that outlook app can work on my 2012 but doubt it.
 
mrk123 said:
Mainly need for outlook app and emails,, off travelling for 10 days and will need access to emails (not on tiny iphone screen). Thanks. I might even see if that outlook app can work on my 2012 but doubt it.
Click to expand...
Are you going to write a lot on it?
If so have a look at the Logitech cases with keyboard and trackpad, they are great.
 
Depends on what you do. I still have an iPad 2 in the barn that I occasionally use to watch Baseball via the MLB app.

It doesn't do much else, though.. haha
 
WarmWinterHat said:
Depends on what you do. I still have an iPad 2 in the barn that I occasionally use to watch Baseball via the MLB app.

It doesn't do much else, though.. haha
Click to expand...
MLB have an app that works on a 15 year old ipad?
 
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