iPadOS 16 Supported Devices: Full List

iPadOS 16 runs on the iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (5th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). If your iPad is older than those—like the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 4—it stays on iPadOS 15 and will not get the 2022 update. Below is the complete compatibility list, what changed, and how to check your own model.

Complete Compatibility List

Apple dropped support for several older iPads with iPadOS 16, which was released on October 24, 2022. These are the exact models that support it:

• iPad Pro (all models, 2015–2022)
• iPad Air (3rd generation, 2019 and later)
• iPad (5th generation, 2017 and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation, 2019 and later)

Notably, the iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, and the original iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2015) and 9.7-inch (2016) were all excluded. The 2015 iPad Pro models are particularly surprising because they use the same A9X chip as the iPad Air 2, which also missed the cut.

Why Some iPads Were Dropped

Apple typically supports iPads for about 5–6 years after release. The main reason older models miss out is the processor. iPadOS 16 requires an A9 chip or newer—specifically the A9, A10, A12, and later. The iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 have the A8X and A8 chips, respectively, which are below that threshold.

But the chip alone doesn’t explain everything. The 2015 iPad Pro has an A9X, which meets the requirement, yet it was still excluded. Apple likely considered RAM and the ability to run features like Stage Manager and full external display support, which need more memory and GPU power. The 2015 Pro has 4GB of RAM, but its older GPU architecture may not handle the new graphics features smoothly.

How to Check Your iPad Model

If you’re unsure which iPad you have, here’s how to find out:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General, then About.
3. Look for the Model Name (e.g., iPad Air (3rd generation)).
4. If you only see a model number like A2152, look up that number on Apple’s support site or search online.

You can also check the back of the iPad for a small model number, but the Settings method is more accurate because it shows the marketing name.

What iPadOS 16 Adds

iPadOS 16 introduced several features, but not all of them work on every supported iPad. The headline feature, Stage Manager, is limited to iPads with an M1 chip or later—that means the iPad Pro 5th generation (2021) and later, and the iPad Air 5th generation (2022). Older supported iPads get the update but not Stage Manager.

Other features like Freeform (a collaborative whiteboard app) and Weather app work on all supported models. The new multitasking gestures and improved text editing are also universal. If you have an older supported iPad, you’ll still get the security updates and most of the new functionality, just not the most demanding features.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that if an iPad is on the list, it runs everything equally. That’s false. Stage Manager and full external display support are exclusive to M1 iPads. Another misconception is that you can force-install iPadOS 16 on an unsupported iPad by downloading the IPSW file. That doesn’t work—Apple’s servers block the installation, and attempting it can brick your device.

Another issue: some users report that after updating, their iPad feels slower. That’s often because the update re-indexes files and background processes run for a few hours. If it persists, try restarting or resetting all settings. Also, if your iPad is on the edge of compatibility (like the 5th generation iPad with 2GB RAM), you may notice more lag in apps that use a lot of memory.

Alternatives for Unsupported iPads

If your iPad isn’t supported, you have a few options:

• Stay on iPadOS 15—Apple still provides security updates for a while, though not indefinitely.
• Check if your apps still work. Most apps support iOS 15, but some newer versions may require iOS 16.
• Consider a new iPad if you need the latest features. The 9th generation iPad (2021) is often the budget choice.

Keep in mind that Apple typically supports iPads for about five years of major OS updates. After that, you get security patches for a couple more years, but eventually, you’ll need to upgrade to keep getting critical fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPad Air 2 get iPadOS 16?

No. The iPad Air 2 (2014) is not on the compatibility list. It remains on iPadOS 15, which will still receive security updates for a limited time, but no new features.

Does iPadOS 16 work on iPad 6th generation?

Yes, the iPad 6th generation (2018) is supported. It has the A10 chip, which meets the minimum requirement. You’ll get most features, but not Stage Manager.

Can I install iPadOS 16 on an unsupported iPad?

No. Apple’s servers will not allow the update to install on unsupported hardware. Trying to sideload the firmware is risky and can cause your iPad to become unusable.

What is the oldest iPad that supports iPadOS 16?

The oldest are the iPad 5th generation (2017) and the iPad Pro 1st generation (2015), but note that the 2015 Pro is actually not supported—the oldest supported Pro is the 2nd generation (2017). So the oldest supported iPads are the 5th gen iPad and the 2nd gen iPad Pro.

Will iPadOS 16 slow down my older iPad?

It can. On devices with 2GB RAM (like the iPad 5th gen), you might notice more reloading of apps or slightly slower animations. If performance is a concern, you can stay on iPadOS 15, but you’ll miss out on security updates eventually.

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