The release of a new version of iPadOS means a bunch of older devices will be left on iPadOS 16 with only security updates available. That doesn’t automatically render your iPad as useless. But if you want to keep running the latest version of iPadOS you’ll need to ensure you have one of the following iPads.
iPadOS 17 will be available this spring as a free software update for the following iPads.
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation and later)
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later)
Older iPads will be stuck with iPadOS 16 or older depending on their vintage.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.