How Long Do iPads Last?

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks

We want to know how long iPads last, which helps us understand if that’s a worthy investment. So, if you’re looking to buy an iPad that isn’t cheap, you want to know what’s the average lifespan of the device.

A Well-cared iPad should last up to 7 years on average. However, many users choose to upgrade their iPads after 5 years. iPad life expectancy depends on how well you take care of your device, how often you use it, how many drops it has had, and other aspects.

To extend the life of your iPad, I recommend updating its software regularly, keeping it protected from physical damage, and avoiding exposing it to extreme temperatures.

How Long Does an iPad Last? (Average Lifespan)

Some will say 7 years, and others will say 5 years, but the truth is somewhere in the middle. Most iPads, after 7 years, can’t update to the latest iPadOS.

I still have iPad Mini 4, which was released in 2015, September. I can still use it, but I can no longer update it to iOS 17, it doesn’t have enough system resources (CPU & RAM).

That doesn’t mean I will now throw out my iPad, and it doesn’t mean you have to throw out yours. You can still use it, and you can still use all the apps, but you can no longer update them and there might come a time when the developer will no longer support that app version.

If you take care of your iPad, protect it, don’t drop it, and don’t expose it to heat and cold, you can get 10 years out of it, but keep in mind that most iPad models after 7 years are no longer supported by the latest iPadOS.

Reasons Why People Update Their iPads

Here are the top reasons why people choose to update their iPads:

• Desired new iPad
• Too slow
• No more software updates(Outdated)
• Insufficient RAM/CPU
• Not enough storage

The most common reason is that people want new tech. There’s something special about buying a new iPad, unpacking it, and setting it up. It feels a little like Christmas, even when it isn’t.

Are iPads Easy To Break?

iPads are an investment, so taking good care of your device is recommended. Sadly, iPads are easy to break. Users often drop iPads, and unless they have a good protective case, the screen cracks. It ain’t cheap to repair them often it’s a better option to buy a new one.

Additionally, iPads bend easily. So make sure you don’t leave them in the seating area of your home, especially if there are kids around. Pet owners should also be careful because our furry friends could get their paws on an iPad and decide to chew on the device.

What Do Real People Say?

Your friends and peers will tell you one lifespan, and experts will tell you another lifespan, but what do people on the internet say? Lets see what redditors are saying:

Stories are different, and experiences are different, but your iPad should last around 7 years on average.

Warranty and AppleCare

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 extends the warranty for up to two years. What makes it super convenient is the yearly repairs for accidental damage. It includes broken screens and even water damage. Unfortunately, there are fees for these replacements, but they won’t be super high.

Users may purchase AppleCare in a single or monthly payment (depending on their location).

Tips on Increasing iPad’s Lifespan

Every iPad has its lifespan, and it won’t last forever. But there are some things you can do to keep your device very functional:

• Clean the storage: Unused apps can take up a lot of space on your iPad and make the device perform slower than before. Remind yourself to clean the storage once every 3 months. And don’t focus on the apps only. There are probably hundreds of photos, screenshots, and files you don’t need anymore!
• Improve the battery life: If you have noticed that the iPad’s battery is getting weaker, make a couple of adjustments. Start by lowering the screen brightness. It can have an impact on battery life. Furthermore, consider turning off the Wi-Fi & Bluetooth when you don’t need them. While unpractical, remember that you don’t have to be online all the time, especially when reading an eBook or listening to a downloaded episode of your favorite podcast. 
• Keep your iPad protected: Finally, put your iPad in a protective case, and don’t forget to use a screen protector. Both will ensure that your device looks new longer and prevent physical damage. Don’t forget to clean the iPad occasionally and wipe any dirt and dust from it. Focus on the charging port, too!

Can an iPad Last For 10 years?

Technically, an iPad can last for more than 10 years, but its performance and battery life may start to degrade after 5 years. It depends on such factors as usage habits, software updates, and hardware conditions.

I have an iPad 9 and, which was released in 2021 and after 2 years I already noticed a drop in battery life, but I expect it to last at least 5 more years.

While an iPad may continue to function after 10 years, its performance may not be optimal.

When Is It Time To Buy a New iPad?

It’s a tough question. Right? I remember I asked my mom when I was a kid – can I buy a new computer? She replied, “What’s wrong with the old one?” I had to come up with a bunch of reasons, but the truth was I wanted a new laptop to play the newest games and the old one was just not doing it.

So let’s make a list of valid reasons when you should truly consider buying a new iPad, not because the newer iPads are shinier. You shouldn’t update your iPad every time they release a new one; that’s a bad investment.

Valid reasons to update the iPad to a newer model:

• Cracked Screen/Physical Damage
• Performance Starts Declining
• Incompatible Accessories
• Battery Starts Declining (consider replacing iPad battery)
• New Valuable Features
• No More iOS Support
• No App Updates

In my opinion, all of these are valid reasons.

Which iPad do I recommend? It depends on how you plan to use it, but in my opinion, the best value for the price is iPad Air.

You can draw on it, you can take notes on it, you can get Magic Keyboard or other alternatives, it’s compatible with Apple Pencil 2, it’s not as powerful as iPad Pro, but in my experience, most people don’t need such high-performing device.

Conclusion

A proper well-cared-for iPad can last up to seven years, while many users choose to upgrade after five years due to factors such as desired new features, performance decline, and outdated software. To prolong your iPad’s lifespan, regularly update its software, safeguard it from physical damage, and avoid extreme temperatures.

While iPads can technically last for over ten years, their performance and battery life may begin to decline after five years, making upgrading to a newer model a viable option based on valid reasons like physical damage, performance issues, and lack of software support.

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