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iPadOS 17 Compatible iPads: Full List

Card No. 06·49041 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

iPadOS 17 works on the iPad Pro (2nd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (6th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). If your iPad is on that list, you can install iPadOS 17; if it isn’t, the update won’t appear in Software Update.

Official Compatibility List

Apple dropped support for several older models with iPadOS 17. Here is the full list of compatible devices:

  • iPad Pro: All 11-inch models (1st generation and later) and all 12.9-inch models (2nd generation and later)
  • iPad Air: 3rd generation and later
  • iPad: 6th generation and later
  • iPad mini: 5th generation and later

Notably, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad (5th generation), and iPad mini 4 are not supported. These devices remain on iPadOS 16 or earlier.

Why Some iPads Were Dropped

Apple typically supports iPads for about five to six years after release. The models excluded from iPadOS 17 were released between 2014 and 2017, making them roughly six to nine years old by the time iPadOS 17 launched in September 2023. The main reasons for dropping support are hardware limitations and performance concerns:

  • Processor: iPadOS 17 requires at least an A9 or A10 Fusion chip. The excluded models use the A8X or A9 chips, which lack the Neural Engine and have less RAM.
  • RAM: Newer features like Stage Manager and enhanced multitasking need more memory. Older iPads have 2GB or 3GB of RAM, which is insufficient for smooth operation.
  • Battery and thermal: Running new software on older hardware can cause overheating and poor battery life, so Apple cuts off support to maintain a consistent user experience.

Key Features That Require Newer Hardware

Even within the compatible list, some features only work on certain models. For example:

  • Stage Manager: Only available on iPads with M1 or M2 chips (iPad Pro 5th gen and later, iPad Air 5th gen).
  • Reference Mode: Exclusive to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation and later) with Liquid Retina XDR display.
  • Freeform app: Works on all compatible iPads, but requires iPadOS 16.1 or later.
  • Live Captions: Requires iPadOS 16 or later, but only on models with A12 Bionic or newer.

How to Check Your iPad’s Model and Compatibility

If you’re unsure which generation you own, here’s how to find out:

  1. Open Settings → General → About.
  2. Look for the Model Name (e.g., iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)).
  3. If you only see a model number like A1980, look it up on Apple’s identification page or use the model number to search online.

Alternatively, check the back of the iPad for the model number. Then compare it to the list above.

How to Update to iPadOS 17

If your iPad is compatible, updating is straightforward:

  1. Back up your iPad to iCloud or a computer.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi and ensure your battery is above 50% (or plug in).
  3. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
  4. Tap Download and Install.

The download is roughly 3-4 GB, so make sure you have enough storage. If you don’t see the update, your iPad is either not compatible or the update hasn’t been pushed to your region yet.

What If Your iPad Isn’t Compatible?

If your iPad is not on the list, you have a few options:

  • Stay on iPadOS 16: You can continue using your iPad normally, but you won’t get new features or security patches.
  • Check for iPadOS 16 updates: Apple may still push security fixes for a while, but don’t count on it long-term.
  • Consider upgrading: If you need the latest features, you’ll need a newer iPad.

It’s worth noting that some apps may eventually require iPadOS 17, so older iPads will lose app compatibility over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install iPadOS 17 on my iPad Air 2?

No. The iPad Air 2 is not supported because it has an A8X chip and only 2GB of RAM, which doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.

Will iPadOS 17 slow down my older compatible iPad?

Older compatible models like the iPad 6th generation may feel slightly slower, but Apple optimizes the OS to run reasonably well. If you experience performance issues, try closing background apps or resetting settings.

Is iPadOS 17 the last update for my iPad?

Not necessarily. Apple typically supports devices for 5-6 years, so if your iPad is from 2018 or later, it may get iPadOS 18. However, there’s no guarantee.

How do I know if my iPad is 6th generation?

Check in Settings → General → About. The model name will say “iPad (6th generation)”. You can also check the model number: A1893 or A1954 for the Wi-Fi and cellular versions.

Can I force install iPadOS 17 on an unsupported iPad?

There are unofficial workarounds, but they require jailbreaking and are risky. They can brick your device or cause security vulnerabilities, so it’s not recommended.

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