June 14, 2024, 11:19 am | Read time: 3 minutes
At the WWDC 2024, Apple announced the next version of its iPad operating system. The preview is already available. However, certain models are no longer compatible.
Unlike iOS 18, which will be available for all currently supported iPhones, Apple is removing several iPads from the update program. Among others, two iPad Pro models are being dropped from the iPadOS 18 support list.
These iPad Models Will No Longer Receive iPadOS 18
In the iPadOS 18 preview, Apple explains that only the following models can install the update:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and newer)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and newer)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
- iPad mini (5th generation and newer)
- iPad (7th generation and newer)
This means that only iPads from 2018 onward are compatible with the new operating system. As a result, several models that previously received iPadOS updates are no longer on the list of supported devices:
- iPad 6th generation
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
Also of interest: Apple announces iOS 18! These are the new features in the iPhone update
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Why Apple Is Releasing iOS 18.7.1 Now and Who Should Install It
Unclear Why the Models Are Losing Support
Apple has not yet commented on why the three models listed above will no longer receive the iPadOS 18 update. Typically, limitations in aging hardware are responsible. However, no such reasons are apparent for the mentioned iPad Pro models.
For instance, the iPad (7th generation) will receive the iPadOS 18 update, despite having a weaker chip and less RAM than the iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd generation). The iPad (7th generation) has the same quad-core A10 Bionic chip as its (now unsupported) predecessor, but with 3 GB instead of 2 GB RAM. Yet, the iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd generation) are significantly stronger with their six-core A10X chip and 4 GB RAM.
Therefore, the hardware is unlikely to be the restriction preventing the iPadOS 18 update. There is also precedent for a longer support period. The iPad Pro 9.7 and iPad Pro 12.9 of the 1st generation received updates for more than eight years. The iPad Air of the 2nd generation even received updates for nine years. That support for the iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd generation) should end after “only” seven years is thus incomprehensible to owners of these still useful devices.
What’s in iPadOS 18
The new version of the operating system brings a number of long-awaited features to the iPad. For the first time in the history of the Apple tablet, there will be an official calculator app. Additionally, iPadOS 18 comes with a new Home Screen that allows free arrangement of apps and a redesigned Control Center.
Compatible iPads with Apple’s M1 or newer will also gain access to Apple Intelligence. This AI system makes Siri smarter and enables message summarization, automatic replies, and even the generation of emojis and images.