iPad 2017 iPad Pro cellular; no iOS updates. Time to replace?

[Cobalt50]

I"m still getting security updates. Mostly I use the iPad when I travel for basic internet activity like email and research. When I travel I also use the Maps app extensively to plan my driving routes and find camping sites. This is very important. At home I don't use the iPad much. Timer, online chess, and sometimes a movie. I'm looking at the new mini but am balking at the price. A "regular" iPad with 64G probably won't cut it. Buying the 256G puts the price close to a mini.

Ive considered wifi only and pairing with GPS to use maps. But it's kludgy and almost as expensive.

What do you guys think?

 

[sparksd]

I"m still getting security updates. Mostly I use the iPad when I travel for basic internet activity like email and research. When I travel I also use the Maps app extensively to plan my driving routes and find camping sites. This is very important. At home I don't use the iPad much. Timer, online chess, and sometimes a movie. I'm looking at the new mini but am balking at the price.

Ive considered wifi only and pairing with GPS to use maps. But it's kludgy and almost as expensive.

What do you guys think?

For WiFi only, how would you do the GPS pairing?

 

[Cobalt50]

If I were to buy a Garmin GPS device, at least for some of them, you can bluetooth them to a wifi iPad and then I could use the maps and my position would be indicated on the map. But it shows up on Garmin Explore maps and maybe not on Apple Maps. Garmin couldn't say. I think iPhones can also do this. Not sure about that. I've never tried it because my present iPad Pro has cellular and thus a GPS chip so no need.

 

[sparksd]

If I were to buy a Garmin GPS device, at least for some of them, you can bluetooth them to a wifi iPad and then I could use the maps and my position would be indicated on the map. But it shows up on Garmin Explore maps and maybe not on Apple Maps. Garmin couldn't say. I think iPhones can also do this. Not sure about that. I've never tried it because my present iPad Pro has cellular and thus a GPS chip so no need.

Yeah, I have a Garmin Glo 2 which works well though neither of my GPS units support Bluetooth nav sharing (DriveSmart 66, GPSMAP sr). The iPhone can't share GPS data (other than the GPS2IP app that sends NMEA sentences and doesn't interface with nav apps). I bought the Mini 6 with cellular for the GPS.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I"m still getting security updates. Mostly I use the iPad when I travel for basic internet activity like email and research. When I travel I also use the Maps app extensively to plan my driving routes and find camping sites. This is very important. At home I don't use the iPad much. Timer, online chess, and sometimes a movie. I'm looking at the new mini but am balking at the price. A "regular" iPad with 64G probably won't cut it. Buying the 256G puts the price close to a mini.

Ive considered wifi only and pairing with GPS to use maps. But it's kludgy and almost as expensive.

What do you guys think?

You don’t seem to use it much, and what you use it for still works fine. Security updates are just that, so it’s still secure. Perhaps wait until they stop (especially if you can determine a timeline on that). Why fix what isn’t yet broken? OTOH, you can probably find a great deal on an m1 iPad inc cellular, which should still be several years for iOS updates (2018 still gets iOS updates).

 

[Cobalt50]

You don’t seem to use it much, and what you use it for still works fine. Security updates are just that, so it’s still secure. Perhaps wait until they stop (especially if you can determine a timeline on that). Why fix what isn’t yet broken? OTOH, you can probably find a great deal on an m1 iPad inc cellular, which should still be several years for iOS updates (2018 still gets iOS updates).

Yeah, it still works. That's what I was thinking. My 2017 has about $100 trade in value. It won't be there in a year. But in a year mini might be cheaper. Six of one and half dozen of the other.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Yeah, it still works. That's what I was thinking. My 2017 has about $100 trade in value. It won't be there in a year. But in a year mini might be cheaper. Six of one and half dozen of the other.

100 isn’t very much, especially as it still works for what you want. It’s probably worth more to you now (ie, no cost) than it will be to get 100 and drop 500 more on something you don’t actually need yet. I would keep it till it’s dead and use the time to save the cash so you won’t notice the cost of the replacement you want.

 

[Digitalguy]

Security updates on iPad make very little difference. Tons of people use unsupported iPads with no issues, sometimes for years. I still use my 10.5 pro every now and then. I even use an iPad on iOS 10 regularly....
The only real issue is compatibility after a while, but the iPadOS 17 should be mostly fine for a couple more years

 

[cupcakes2000]

Security updates on iPad make very little difference. Tons of people use unsupported iPads with no issues, sometimes for years. I still use my 10.5 pro every now and then. I even use an iPad on iOS 10 regularly....
The only real issue is compatibility after a while, but the iPadOS 17 should be mostly fine for a couple more years

Security patches make little difference? Ok then.

That’s not a true statement. Perhaps they make little noticeable difference. If they patch a massive security hole, which one’s device gets exploited by due to having no security updates, then the difference could have ridiculous consequences.

Of course the device likely still works without such updates, but suggesting anyone use an internet connected device that is no longer supported is incredibly bad advice.

 

[Cobalt50]

100 isn’t very much, especially as it still works for what you want. It’s probably worth more to you now (ie, no cost) than it will be to get 100 and drop 500 more on something you don’t actually need yet. I would keep it till it’s dead and use the time to save the cash so you won’t notice the cost of the replacement you want.

That makes sense.

 

[Cobalt50]

Security patches make little difference? Ok then.

That’s not a true statement. Perhaps they make little noticeable difference. If they patch a massive security hole, which one’s device gets exploited by due to having no security updates, then the difference could have ridiculous consequences.

Of course the device likely still works without such updates, but suggesting anyone use an internet connected device that is no longer supported is incredibly bad advice.

I get where Digitalguy is coming from. I've never heard of an iOS security breach. Nonetheless, I tend to agree that it's not good to use an iPad that is no longer getting security updates. It's a shame too since the iPad is in almost mint condition. Well, I suspect there will be security updates for a year or so.

 

[Cobalt50]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I get where Digitalguy is coming from. I've never heard of an iOS security breach. Nonetheless, I tend to agree that it's not good to use an iPad that is no longer getting security updates. It's a shame too since the iPad is in almost mint condition. Well, I suspect there will be security updates for a year or so.

Well ‘use at your own risk’ applies here, I suppose, many people do as DG stated. It’s terrible advice is all. But Apples restrictions are what’s at fault really. If only one of two things happened: security updates forever or allow the installation of 3rd party OS’. Both would ensure greater longevity. I have several iPads and iPhones which are immaculate but useless. Such a waste.

 

[Ctrlos]

I"m still getting security updates. Mostly I use the iPad when I travel for basic internet activity like email and research. When I travel I also use the Maps app extensively to plan my driving routes and find camping sites. This is very important. At home I don't use the iPad much. Timer, online chess, and sometimes a movie. I'm looking at the new mini but am balking at the price. A "regular" iPad with 64G probably won't cut it. Buying the 256G puts the price close to a mini.

Ive considered wifi only and pairing with GPS to use maps. But it's kludgy and almost as expensive.

What do you guys think?

You can buy a 2nd hand 11" M1 iPad Pro for £$500.

Get that.

 

[Night Spring]

If I were to buy a Garmin GPS device, at least for some of them, you can bluetooth them to a wifi iPad and then I could use the maps and my position would be indicated on the map. But it shows up on Garmin Explore maps and maybe not on Apple Maps. Garmin couldn't say. I think iPhones can also do this. Not sure about that. I've never tried it because my present iPad Pro has cellular and thus a GPS chip so no need.

Don't you have an iPhone? Most cellular service providers lets you use your iPhone as a wifi hotspot. If your iPhone acts as a hotspot, no need for a Garmin, surely?

 

[Digitalguy]

Security patches make little difference? Ok then.

That’s not a true statement. Perhaps they make little noticeable difference. If they patch a massive security hole, which one’s device gets exploited by due to having no security updates, then the difference could have ridiculous consequences.

Of course the device likely still works without such updates, but suggesting anyone use an internet connected device that is no longer supported is incredibly bad advice.

iPads do no have a desktop OS, it's a locked platform, people don't get malware by just being online, getting malware installed is just as intentional as is jailbraking or trying to sideload stuff (that's also why you often cannot jailbreak or sideload on updated devices). How many people you know have got malware on their iPad? That's very different from Windows and even from MacOS. Malware on iOS is essentially a social engeneering thing. Anyway you do you, and keep your old devices as useless stuff, I do me and use them as many other people do. To each their own. Don't take advice from me, do what you think it's best, I'll do too, and share my experience.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I wouldn't bother updating just yet, since you hardly use it unless you are traveling.

 

[msackey]

I"m still getting security updates. Mostly I use the iPad when I travel for basic internet activity like email and research. When I travel I also use the Maps app extensively to plan my driving routes and find camping sites. This is very important. At home I don't use the iPad much. Timer, online chess, and sometimes a movie. I'm looking at the new mini but am balking at the price. A "regular" iPad with 64G probably won't cut it. Buying the 256G puts the price close to a mini.

Ive considered wifi only and pairing with GPS to use maps. But it's kludgy and almost as expensive.

What do you guys think?

I read the title as kinda asking if you should upgrade given that your old iPad isn't getting further iOS updates. Given how you're using your iPad, I say no.

Your old iPad can still do everything you need it to and you don't use it much when at home. It's good enough. Keep using it until it really can't be used any more, then get a new one.

 

[msackey]

Yeah, it still works. That's what I was thinking. My 2017 has about $100 trade in value. It won't be there in a year. But in a year mini might be cheaper. Six of one and half dozen of the other.

Your 2017 has a $100 trade-in value, but it is even more valuable in that it can still be used and could have more years to go, thus reducing the initial cost purchase price as the expense would be spread out over many more years. When factored over the more years of use it has, it is worth more than $100.

I say keep the device.

 

[cupcakes2000]

iPads do no have a desktop OS, it's a locked platform, people don't get malware by just being online, getting malware installed is just as intentional as is jailbraking or trying to sideload stuff (that's also why you often cannot jailbreak or sideload on updated devices). How many people you know have got malware on their iPad? That's very different from Windows and even from MacOS. Malware on iOS is essentially a social engeneering thing. Anyway you do you, and keep your old devices as useless stuff, I do me and use them as many other people do. To each their own. Don't take advice from me, do what you think it's best, I'll do too, and share my experience.

Well, in that case I suggest writing to Apple and every other OS maker, mobile or otherwise, to stop bothering wasting their time with security updates then. If you say they’re not necessary then I’m sure you’re right, and I’m sure they’ll agree and stop such folly immediately.

 

[muzzy996]

In reference to using unsupported versions of iOS being completely safe or completely unsafe, is resorting to extremism in either direction necessary? Hasn't Apple had a history of issuing targeted security updates to major actively exploited vulnerabilities beyond their standard update lifecycle? iOS 12.5.7 comes to mind.

I agree that using unsupported devices has risks which will vary by use case. The risk to an individual is therefore not necessarily universal in level of exposure compared to other users. Each user has to weigh their own risk and decide for themselves.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Hasn't Apple had a history of issuing targeted security updates to major actively exploited vulnerabilities beyond their standard update lifecycle?

Yep. Thats why it’s ok to use OS’ which still have security patches, and also why security patches remain necessary. Should the OS no longer receive them, then that OS can potentially contain security holes which can be exploited. This makes the OS unsafe to use if that device is to be internet connected. Thats not an extreme, that’s a simple fact.

 

[Saturn007]

Of course the device likely still works without such updates, but suggesting anyone use an internet connected device that is no longer supported is incredibly bad advice.

Suppose someone only connects to Apple — e.g., for app updates, iCloud, etc. Or, to some book downloading sites such as Gutenberg or Amazon? Would they be at risk?

Or, suppose their only other online activity involves major mainstream news sites (e.g., NYT, WP, The Guardian) and Mac Rumors… How much at risk would they be then?

 

[cupcakes2000]

Suppose someone only connects to Apple — e.g., for app updates, iCloud, etc. Or, to some book downloading sites such as Gutenberg or Amazon? Would they be at risk?

Or, suppose their only other online activity involves major mainstream news sites (e.g., NYT, WP, The Guardian) and Mac Rumors… How much at risk would they be then?

If there is a security flaw in an old OS which is no longer maintained, then that’s that. It’s no longer safe to connect that device to the internet. It doesn’t mean the flaw will be exploited on your device, it doesn’t even mean there will necessarily even be a flaw (although of course as time progresses there is a certain amount of certainty here). What it means is that a hacker or other nefarious entity or criminal or whatever, can - if they chose, gain access to your device or your network, which potentially gains access to other connected devices. It’s a bit like leaving your front door locked but a window open. It’s probably fine, but it’s definitely not recommended. It’s not particularly about whether one only visits ‘safe’ sites. A security hole in one’s os is not a situation one should want to find themselves in - I’m not making stuff up here, it’s absolutely a thing. That’s why security updates are a thing in the first place.

Finding it strange to have such a pushback from stating such an obvious fact on a site of supposed tech enthusiasts.

 

[Cobalt50]

You can buy a 2nd hand 11" M1 iPad Pro for £$500.

Get that.

That's not a bad idea eventually. I see one for $675 US in excellent shape. I'm pretty sure that I
l'll keep the one I have until the security updates stop. But the MI iPad would be a good replacement and probably a bit cheaper in a year or so. Thanks for the tip.