The first rumors that Apple would exclude several iPads from the update to iPadOS 18 were already circulating in winter 2024.
Tipster @aaronp613 correctly predicted that the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 10.5-inch iPad Pro would disappear from the compatibility list.
Apple introduced both devices in 2017 and both feature the A10X processor. The A10 processor has long since disappeared from the iOS compatibility list; the iPhone 7 with this chip last received the latest system in fall 2021 with iOS 15, with iOS 16 being the end of the line.
However, there are still two models in the iPad line that feature this chip on the motherboard: the sixth generation iPad and the seventh generation iPad. Apple has decided to only support the iPad 6 with iPadOS 18; the iPad 7 has been saved for now.
The reason for this is probably the fact that the iPad 7 was only launched in 2019, while the iPad 6 was launched a year earlier. However, there is a very high probability that iPadOS 18 will be the last operating system update for the iPad 7.
These iPads are supported by iPadOS 18:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and newer)
- iPad Pro 11 inch
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
- iPad (7th generation and newer)
- iPad Mini (5th generation and newer)
These iPads are no longer supported by iPadOS 18
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 6th generation iPad
Best price currently: iPad Air M2
$569
iPadOS benefits from interesting new features, such as finally a calculator. However, the AI called Apple Intelligence, which Apple integrates into all its platforms, will only be able to work on iPads equipped with an M chip, i.e. for the moment only the iPad Pro and iPad Air models that Apple has been marketing for 2021.
These iPads support Apple Intelligence in iPadOS 18:
- iPad Pro (M4 2024)
- iPad Pro (M2, 2022)
- iPad Pro (M1, 2021)
- iPad Air (M2, 2024)
- iPad Air (M1, 2022)
Looking to buy a new tablet? Check out our roundups of the best deals and best refurbished deals.
This article was originally published in our sister publication Macwelt and has been translated and adapted from German.
