iPad Pro Thoughts on future iOS compatibility

[RudySnow]

I’m debating on ordering the new iPad Pro 12.9. Mine is the 2015 model, with the A9X chip.

I worry about future proofing against an iOS update that won’t be compatible with my iPad.

However, Apple is still selling the iPad Mini, which of course has the A8.

Knowing this, how likely is iOS 13, 14, 15 going to be supported for the A9X iPad? What has happened historically? My thanks in advance.

 

[sracer]

I’m debating on ordering the new iPad Pro 12.9. Mine is the 2015 model, with the A9X chip.

I worry about future proofing against an iOS update that won’t be compatible with my iPad.

However, Apple is still selling the iPad Mini, which of course has the A8.

Knowing this, how likely is iOS 13, 14, 15 going to be supported for the A9X iPad? What has happened historically? My thanks in advance.

I too have the 2015 12.9 iPad Pro. I am confident that it is going to be supported for quite a few more years. It is the first iPad to have 4GB RAM... that counts for something toward longevity. I plan on riding out my 12.9 Pro and 2018 iPad until they are no longer supported and THEN I'll consider what they have available at the time.

 

[iapplelove]

My iPad Air is still being supported. I think you will be fine for a few more years lol

 

[Mabus51]

I believe Apple’s devices have a 5 year lifespan as far as support goes. Your battery will die before the support does. Just upgrade when the battery no longer holds a decent charge. No need to update every device annually.

 

[mofunk]

I was thinking if its 64bit than you are okay for now.

I have a 3rd Gen iPad that still is able to sync with all my Apple Apps and isn't upgradable. So you should be good for awhile.

 

[rui no onna]

I’m debating on ordering the new iPad Pro 12.9. Mine is the 2015 model, with the A9X chip.

I worry about future proofing against an iOS update that won’t be compatible with my iPad.

However, Apple is still selling the iPad Mini, which of course has the A8.

Knowing this, how likely is iOS 13, 14, 15 going to be supported for the A9X iPad? What has happened historically? My thanks in advance.

Why bother future proofing now? There'll always be something new that will be more future proof than whatever Apple is selling now. Just buy when your current iPad doesn't meet your needs (or wants) anymore.

 

[RudySnow]

Thanks everyone. I thought a lot about your comments and decided against upgrading—big price, no original Apple Pencil support, and I don’t NEED a new iPad at all. Need beat out Want in this battle! I have a perfectly good computer (yes, for me it is) and I see no reason to upgrade for upgrade sake.

 

[sracer]

Thanks everyone. I thought a lot about your comments and decided against upgrading—big price, no original Apple Pencil support, and I don’t NEED a new iPad at all. Need beat out Want in this battle! I have a perfectly good computer (yes, for me it is) and I see no reason to upgrade for upgrade sake.

Good call, IMO. I'm not saying you did this, but I used to get caught up in the excitement and enthusiasm of getting in on new devices. It's fun. But after a while I noticed that as soon as the glow wore off I wasn't doing anything with the new device that I couldn't do with the previous one. The iPhone SE and 2018 iPad were what broke the upgrade fever I had.

 

[augustya]

The point is, future iOS may be supported on older device but the question is how usable is your device after the update ??

 

[rui no onna]

The point is, future iOS may be supported on older device but the question is how usable is your device after the update ??

So? Just replace it when performance drops below your minimum acceptable levels. Whatever is released at that time will most likely be better than the 2018 iPad Pros. Heck, by that time, Apple might have eventually dropped storage pricing, too (I really do think they should've gone 128GB minimum).

For now, even A8X/A9 are handling iOS 12 so A9X should be doing even better.