iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models

iPadOS 18 will drop support for iPad models equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.

iPad Air 5
This means that iPadOS 18 would not be compatible with the first-generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro or the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2017. It almost certainly means that iPadOS 18 would drop support for iPad models powered by the regular A10 Fusion chip too, including the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPads.

The post was spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, and it has since been deleted. However, this was likely because the account prefers to keep a low profile, and many of its previously-deleted posts contained accurate information.

If this rumor is accurate, iPadOS 18 would be compatible with the following iPad models:

  • iPad Pro: 2018 and later
  • iPad Air: 2019 and later
  • iPad mini: 2019 and later
  • iPad: 2020 and later

Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September. So far, key new features rumored for the update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and more, and RCS support in the Messages app.

The same source also expects iOS 18 to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

Popular Stories

m5 ipad pro green 2

Apple Now Sells Refurbished M4 iPad Pro Models Starting at $759

Friday April 3, 2026 11:14 am PDT by
Apple is now selling M4 iPad Pro models in its online store for refurbished products, allowing customers to purchase like-new models at a discounted price. There are both ">11-inch and 13-inch options available, in multiple storage configurations. Apple is offering Wi-Fi and Cellular refurbished models, and silver and black color options. Pricing on the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro starts at $759, ...
MacBook Pro Low Angle Wide Lens

Apple to Launch 'MacBook Ultra' With These Six New Features

Friday April 24, 2026 10:32 am PDT by
While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro were just updated with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips last month, bigger changes are reportedly around the corner. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the higher-end MacBook Pro models will be receiving a major redesign by early 2027, and he said that Apple might use "MacBook Ultra" branding for them. If so, the MacBook Ultra would likely be a...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

This Is What the iPhone 18 Pro Looks Like

Saturday April 25, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
A recent leak provides our best look yet at the design of Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Leaker Sonny Dickson recently shared images of the first iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone dummy models. The images largely conform with rumors about the designs of the three devices and provide the first real visual confirmation of how they will look. ...

Top Rated Comments

28 months ago
Given the state of iPadOS, this is not the end of the world. My still in use iPad Air 2, which I turn on once a week, is stuck on 15 and I hardly miss a thing.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
28 months ago
I really wish Apple was better at making sure a supported OS doesn't wreck a device's usability. I have an old iPad Mini 4, and kept updating it as long as it would allow. iPadOS 15 absolutely murdered it, and it's absurdly slow now. Up to some point (iPadOS 14 maybe?) it was still zippy and responsive. Still keep it around for the kid to watch cartoons, but it's not usable for much beyond that.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
28 months ago
This is a better way to report, take notice Macrumors. As you can see, no need for 2 articles.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/27/ios-18-devices-rumor/

I think we would appreciate it more for the simplicity also.

Thank you


iPadOS 18 will drop support for iPad models equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.



This means that iPadOS 18 would not be compatible with the first-generation 10.5-inch iPad Pro or the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2017. It almost certainly means that iPadOS 18 would drop support for iPad models powered by the regular A10 Fusion chip, including the sixth-generation and seventh-generation iPads.

The post was spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris ('https://twitter.com/aaronp613'), and it has since been deleted. However, this was likely because the account prefers to keep a low profile, and many of its previously-deleted posts contained accurate information.

If this rumor is accurate, iPadOS 18 would be compatible with the following iPad models:

* iPad Pro: 2018 and later
* iPad Air: 2019 and later
* iPad mini: 2019 and later
* iPad: 2020 and later

Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 at its annual developers conference WWDC in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September. So far, key new features rumored for the update include new generative AI functionality for Siri and more ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/16/ios-18-slew-of-new-ai-features/'), and RCS support in the Messages app ('https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/16/apple-to-adopt-rcs-messaging-standard/').

The same source also expects iOS 18 to be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/27/ios-18-compatible-iphones-rumor/').

Article Link: iPadOS 18 Rumored to Drop Support for These iPad Models ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/27/ipados-18-compatible-ipads-rumor/')
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
28 months ago
Me reading this using iPad Air 1
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
28 months ago
Makes sense, the A10X was the last without a dedicated neural processing Unit.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
28 months ago
I have the feeling iPad OS will be the same banana like it always has been with some AI.

While I am not complaining about the latest enhancements, it just feels like a Ferrari with and aggressive speed limitation applied (60mph/100hm/h top limit)

It could be so much more and it doesn't get enough love.
Amazing HW on an OK-ish OS....

Apple, please give us a propper OS for it 🙏🏻
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)