iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models

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.

iPad Air 5
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.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

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Top Rated Comments

abatabia Avatar
25 months ago
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.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
25 months ago
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.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gloor Avatar
25 months ago
This is a better way to report, take notice Macrumors. As you can see, no need for 2 articles.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/27/ios-18-devices-rumor/

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

Thank you


ipados 18 compatible ipads rumor image ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/27/ipados-18-compatible-ipads-rumor/')

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.

ipados 18 compatible ipads rumor image

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 ('https://twitter.com/aaronp613'), 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 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/16/ios-18-slew-of-new-ai-features/'), and RCS support in the Messages app ('https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/16/apple-to-adopt-rcs-messaging-standard/').

The same source also expects iOS 18 to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/27/ios-18-compatible-iphones-rumor/').

Article Link: iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/27/ipados-18-compatible-ipads-rumor/')
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
25 months ago
Makes sense, the A10X was the last without a dedicated neural processing Unit.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ajisaputrarakasiwi Avatar
25 months ago
Me reading this using iPad Air 1
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kissmo1980 Avatar
25 months ago
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 ??
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)