How Many Years Should an iPad Last?
Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer.
The improved performance, storage, and features of better iPad models can help future-proof the tablet.
6 Reasons to Replace Your iPad
These problems are likely to push your iPad into retirement.
Your iPad Is Out of Storage
Storage space is often tight on an iPad.
That becomes unmanageable if you want to use larger apps like games or download large files such as movies.
you’re able to combat this problem withApple’s iCloud storage service.
you’re able to alsosave storage space on your iPadby deleting podcasts or temporarily removing rarely-used apps.
However, these solutions are temporary, as you’re free to’t upgrade the iPad’s limited storage.
Buying a new iPad with more storage is the only way to solve the problem permanently.
Examples include FaceID, the Apple Pencil, Apple Pay, and 5G mobile data.
Although rarely necessary, these features are often a good reason to buy a new iPad.
It’s impossible to upgrade an older iPad with features found on a newer model.
You might also choose to upgrade because these features are on other Apple devices you own.
Even accessing the internals is a lengthy and tedious task.
An iPad’s life may end because what seems like a minor repair can’t be repaired.
Defective Wi-Fi, a cracked Lightning port, or a damaged screen can lead to your iPad’s demise.
We recommend taking your broken iPad to an Apple Store or contacting Apple customer support before moving on.
Apple can repair some iPad components, thus extending the life of the iPad.
The price to repair an iPad is often less appealing than a replacement.
Early iPad models supported the802.11n Wi-Fi standard, also known as Wi-Fi 4.
Though quite capable at the time, it’s now two generations behind Wi-Fi 6.
It’s a similar story with mobile data.
The first iPad models had optional 3G mobile data.
Many mobile data carriers are in the process of shutting down 3G networks, making this feature obsolete.
It typically occurs between five to eight years after the iPad was released.
Your iPad will still work without the latest version of iPadOS, but it will fall behind other devices.
It may not be able to connect with new Apple products, and apps may stop working.
An unsupported iPad is less secure as Apple will eventually stop patching security flaws.
Our list of devices compatible with iPadOS 15will tell you if Apple supports your current iPad.
Your iPad has a battery health featurethat helps you check the status of your battery.
It measures battery health as a percentage of the battery’s original maximum capacity.
Reduced capacity will become noticeable as your battery health approaches 80 percent of its maximum capacity.
It is possible toreplace the battery on an iPad.
Apple will replace it for a fee (or for free if the gadget is still under warranty).
A replacement makes sense unless the iPad is about to become obsolete for another reason.
Apple also has a new self-service repair programfor ambitious owners.
The base iPad has changed little in the past five years.
Other new models, like the iPad Pro 12.9, have pushed size and weight up rather than down.
A new iPad won’t be much (if any) lighter or thinner than an equivalent older model.
Those hoping for a more portable option only have one choice: the iPad mini.
Yet even this gear has not lost weight over the years.
An upgrade won’t make your iPad a better travel companion.
FAQ
Your iPad’s battery should be good for over 1,000 charge cycles.
After that, it should still maintain about 80% of its original capacity.
The basic iPad warranty lasts one year.
