Apple Discontinues iPadOS Support for Five Older iPad Models

Apple has removed iPadOS 27 support for five older iPad models, including devices sold between 2018 and 2020. Affected models are the 2019 iPad Air (3rd generation), 2019 iPad mini (5th generation), 2018 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro variants, and the 2020 iPad (8th generation). All these devices run on A12 or A12X processors.

The move marks the end of software updates for these iPads after six to eight years of support—a longevity that still surpasses most competitors. Suspicion arises from the timing, as all iPhones compatible with iOS 26 will receive iOS 27, while iPadOS takes a stricter approach.

Criticism mounts over iPadOS 26's performance issues, with calls for Apple to either enable downgrades to iPadOS 18 or optimize iPadOS 27 for the discontinued hardware. Technically feasible, downgrades remain blocked by Apple's policy of unsigned firmware versions. The company has previously reversed course, as seen when it extended Stage Manager to older iPad Pros after initial restrictions.