I left my Mini 6 on 17.7.1, as I prefer it to 18 (having helped others to update their M1 iPads.) Lack of storage also made updating a PITA (64GB.)
Hopefully the next Mini is out before it starts being incompatible with many/any apps. Then certain content can go onto the new one to clear space and make this Cellular Mini with sim slot a travel iPad.
I have an original iPad Air from 2013. Stopped using it some years ago when it stopped getting updates at iOS 12. Keep debating if I need a new iPad as most stuff I can do on my iPhone.
Have toyed with the idea recently of getting either a mini or the basic A16 iPad. But again not sure I have user case for. Might be better just replacing my ancient windows laptop, eight years old now with a MacBook Air.
As of today I have a 10th Gen iPad , an M1 iPad Pro 12.9” (going to sell it in a few days) and an M4 iPad Pro 11”.
My son has an 11th Gen iPad and my wife a 9th Gen iPad …
Bought 11 Pro M4 with MK one year ago, no need to upgrade this year and probably for the next 3-4 years (I bought my previous 12.9 2018 in September 2019).