Nothing lasts forever. iPads included. You will notice a decline in performance when your iPad ages, and that’s when you will start to think about upgrading it to a newer one. But how long do iPads last?

In this article, I will delve into the average lifespan of iPads. Software duration updates, battery life in hours, overall battery lifespan, etc. I will also talk about when you should upgrade to a newer iPad, how to make it last longer, and a few other tips. I will also answer some common questions at the bottom.

How Long iPads Lasts on Average (Software Support)

iPads are the longest lasting tablets you can purchase right now. The most important factor in iPads lifespan is software updates. iPads on average are supported for 5-6 years.

iPad OS 17 was released in 2023 and is compatible with iPad Mini 5 and earlier, iPad 6 and earlier, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and earlier, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and earlier, and iPad Air 3rd generation and earlier.

ModelRelease DateSupports iPadOS17
iPad (6th gen)2018, MarchYes
iPad Mini (5th gen)2019, MarchYes
iPad Air (3rd gen)2019, MarchYes
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen)2018, NovemberYes
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd gen)2017, JuneYes

iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd gen was released in 2017, June and is still supported giving you 6+ years of updates.

While iPad updates are typically supported for 5-6 years, it’s important to note that after this period, your iPad remains functional, but it won’t receive further software updates. This means you won’t be able to update apps to their latest versions, presenting a drawback. Nevertheless, your iPad will still be usable despite this limitation.

How Long Can iPads Last?

The lifespan of an iPad is influenced by factors like usage, model, and care. If you exclude accidental drops and screen cracks your iPad shelf life with proper care has the potential of 10 years. But on average iPads last 5 years before a user updates to a newer iPad model.

I still have my iPad Mini 4th gen (2015, September) it runs iPad OS 15 and can’t be updated to newer iPad OS, but I still use it as a dedicated music player. It stands on speaker docks and it’s synced with my other devices, I can still play games on it, browse the web, call my family and friends in FaceTime, use it as universal remote to control my smart gadgets at home, etc.

There are plenty of cool use cases for old iPads.

How Long Do iPads Last on Battery (Without Charging)

You can get up to 10 hours of usage on your iPad before requiring a recharge. The actual battery life is influenced by settings such as brightness, connectivity, network usage, and the nature of your activities on the iPad. Watching videos tends to deplete the battery more quickly than reading an ebook, so usage patterns play a role in determining overall battery performance.

Sitting on your desk iPad can last a whole week. Playing games and watching videos will last you one third of the day.

iPad ModelBattery Life
iPad~10 hours
iPad Mini~10 hours
iPad Air~10 hours
iPad Pro 11-inch~10 hours
iPad Pro 12.9-inch~10 hours

All iPads have fairly identical battery life. But the battery life depends significantly on the usage. If you have all app background refreshed turned off, low power mode on, low brightness and warm room and you use WiFi network instead of Cellular you can get even 12 hours Screen On Time (SOT). But on average iPad battery has 8 hours SOT.

How Long iPads Battery Last

It usually takes about two years before you start to see any significant drop in iPad battery performance.

An iPad that has been lightly used with good battery care can retain its original battery for up to five years. However, heavy use or frequent exposure to extreme charging conditions may necessitate an earlier iPad battery replacement.

When Should You Upgrade To New iPad

timeline when should you upgrade your ipad to a newer model
  • After year one, there shouldn’t be any reason to upgrade your iPad.
  • After year two, you might be tempted to upgrade to a newer iPad model, but your iPad can still do its job perfectly fine. No real reason to upgrade.
  • After year three, you might see a slight battery performance decrease, but other than that, your iPad will work fine; if there’s a good deal, you can consider upgrading.
  • After four to five years, you will see signs of aging. iPad will become slower, the battery will drain faster, and it’s a good time to sell your old iPad and upgrade to a newer model while the iPad still has Software updates. It’s the perfect time to upgrade to a newer model.
  • After six to seven years, your iPad will no longer be supported by the latest software updates. It will be harder to sell the older model, but it’s time to upgrade your iPad to the latest model.

The optimal time to consider upgrading your iPad is around four to five years. During this period, your iPad continues to receive software updates, ensuring its performance and compatibility. Additionally, you may find better resale value in the market, allowing you to make a more cost-effective transition to the latest iPad model.

Tips For Prolonging iPads Lifespan

  1. Avoid full charge or full drain cycles.
  2. Refrain from charging overnight.
  3. Utilize a dimmer screen to conserve power.
  4. Switch off location services when not needed.
  5. Use an original or approved Apple charger for safe charging.
  6. Close apps and unused features running in the background.
  7. Avoid exposing your iPad to extreme temperatures.
  8. Keep your software updated for optimal performance.
  9. Protect your iPad with a suitable case to enhance overall lifespan.
  10. Consider a timely battery replacement when needed for prolonged usability.

These tips can maximize the lifespan of your iPad significantly. Taking care of your iPad will also get you a better resale price.

Is AppleCare Worth It For iPads?

It depends on your needs and preferences. When you purchase a new iPad, you will automatically have a one-year warranty on that device. It means that if your iPad stops working or you experience any issues with hardware, Apple will fix it for free. The standard warranty doesn’t include accidental damage. After one year, users have an option to purchase the AppleCare service.

AppleCare provides extended warranty coverage, including technical support and accidental damage protection.

If you tend to be accident-prone or want comprehensive coverage, it may be worth the investment. Consider the potential cost of repairs without AppleCare and weigh it against the coverage provided. Additionally, if you heavily rely on your iPad for work or creative tasks, the 24/7 technical support could be valuable. On the other hand, if you frequently upgrade to the latest iPad models, the standard warranty might suffice.

iPad ModelAppleCare Pricing
iPad$3.49/monthly
iPad Mini$3.49/monthly
iPad Air$3.99/monthly
iPad Pro 11-inch$5.99/monthly
iPad Pro 12.9-inch$7.99/monthly

FAQ

When will my iPad become obsolete?

iPads receive software and security updates from Apple 5-6years.

Are iPads easy to break?

Yes, iPads break easily, a single drop can result in a cracked iPad screen. You can safeguard your device from accidental drops by investing in a protective case for added durability and impact resistance.

What are good reasons to upgrade iPad to a newer model?

Consider upgrading your iPad under the following circumstances: a cracked screen, declining performance, compatibility issues with accessories, deteriorating battery life, availability of newer models with enhanced features, or when your iPad is no longer supported by the latest iPadOS or apps.

Can iPad last for 10 years?

Yes, iPad can last for 10+ years, but it will no longer be supported after 5-6 years. But you can still play games and use apps after 10 years.

Related: Why iPads Are So Expensive?

ernests embutnieks wolfoftablet
Founder & Chief Editor | +37122300405 | ernests@wolfoftablet.com | + posts

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.