iPadOS 17 Again Rumored to Drop Support for These iPads

Apple in iPadOS 17 will drop support for the first-generation 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well as the fifth-generation iPad, according to French tech website iPhoneSoft.

iOS 17 Icon Mock Feature Feature
This is the second time we have heard claims regarding iPad device compatibility for the next operating system Apple is developing. Early last month, a source with a proven track record for upcoming software updates said the same three models will not be supported.

iPhoneSoft's information is said to come from an internal Apple source. If accurate, that means the following devices will be compatible with iPadOS 17 when it's released in the fall.

  • iPad Pro (2017 and later)
  • iPad Air (third generation and later)
  • iPad (sixth generation and later)
  • iPad mini (fifth generation and later)

It's worth noting that just because an iPad makes Apple's compatibility list doesn't necessarily mean it will fully support everything the software has to offer. For example, iOS 15 is compatible with all devices that can run iOS 14, but some features are not available on older iPhones.

As for which iPhones will run iOS 17, we've heard conflicting reports. The same source that first revealed which iPad models would be dropped from iPadOS 17 also claimed that iOS 17 will drop support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.

However, this was immediately disputed by another leaker who has shared accurate information in the past. According to a post on the MacRumors forum by the anonymous tipster, all iPhones that support iOS 16 will support iOS 17, including all devices powered by A11 chipsets (i.e. the iPhone X and iPhone 8/8 Plus).

Last year, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 dropped support for quite a few devices, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, original iPhone SE, final iPod touch, second-generation iPad Air, and fourth-generation iPad mini.

Apple is expected to announce iOS 17 during its WWDC keynote on June 5.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17

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Top Rated Comments

37 months ago

So, the 6th and 7th gen iPads are also getting dropped?
Noticed that too, doubt Apple is wiping out 3 generations in one update. Especially when the rumors are that this version will be very minor in scope. This report is probably bogus.

EDIT: They edited the post, it used to say 8th gen iPad - now says 6th which makes more sense.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
37 months ago
Taking away updates from a tablet people bought in early 2018 seems bad. I have a late 2018 iPad that is perfectly fine for my uses, and I don't plan on upgrading any time soon, even if iPadOS 18 drops support. I always felt like the iPad was supposed to outlast the phone's cycle.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
37 months ago
Why? Does it take too much power to handle static widgets on a new wallpaper layout? ?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bearinthetown Avatar
37 months ago
Anyone believes that these devices are actually too weak to support the iPadOS? No, they are not. This is meant to make your device obsolete to make you buy a new one. And all that from sooo eco-concerned Apple.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bodhitree Avatar
37 months ago
I have a first-gen ipad pro 12.9” from 2015 which still runs fine and have no intentions of replacing it even if ipados drops support. In fact, I’ve found that my ipad use is just a few use cases - email, browsing on mainly forums, some youtube - and I’ll likely keep doing that until the apps drop support and that is likely to take a while.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
37 months ago

So, the 6th and 7th gen iPads are also getting dropped?
Not according to this article


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Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)