Which iOS Is Best For Which iPad? Compatible Models List & Importance

It can be tricky to figure out which iPad models are compatible with the most recent update of iOS. It's always recommended to update to the most recent version of iOS for both safety and efficiency concerns. But not all iPad can run the most recent version of iOS that was launched for their respective iPad models. Apple users can see which iOS version their iPad can run by looking at the list below, which includes the iOS version, the date it came out, and the iPad models that are compatible with it.

iOS iO+ Launch Year + Compatible iPad Models List

iOS	Launch year	Compatible iPad Models
iOS 16	2022	12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th generation 11-in. iPad Pro 1st,2nd & 3rd generation 10.5-in. iPad Pro 1st generation 9.7-in. iPad Pro 1st generation 10.2-inch iPad 7th, 8th & 9th generation iPad 5th & 6th generation iPad mini 5 & 6 iPad Air 3rd, 4th & 5th generation
iOS 15	2021	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd & 3rd generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (6th, 7th & 8th generation) iPad mini (5th generation) iPad Air (3rd & 4th generation)
iOS 14	2020	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (5th, 6th & 7th generation) iPad mini (4 & 5th generation) iPad Air (2 & 3rd generation)
iOS 13	2019	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st & 2nd generation) iPad Pro 11-inch iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (5th, 6th & 7th generation) iPad mini (4 & 5th generation) iPad Air (2 & 3rd generation)
iOS 12	2018	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st & 2nd generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (5th & 6th generation) iPad mini 4 iPad Air 2
iOS 11	2017	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st & 2nd generation) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (5th & 6th generation) iPad mini 4 & iPad Air 2
iOS 10	2016	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 iPad mini 4 iPad (4th generation)
iOS 9	2015	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st iPad 2 iPad (3rd & 4th generation) iPad Air (1st generation) iPad Air 2 iPad mini (1st generation) iPad mini 2 iPad mini 3
iOS 8	2014	iPad 2 iPad (3rd & 4th generation) iPad Air (1st generation) iPad mini (1st generation) iPad mini 2
iOS 7​	2013	iPad (2nd, 3rd & 4th generation) iPad mini (1st generation)
iOS 6	2012	iPad (2nd & 3rd generation) iPad mini (1st generation)
iOS 5	2011	​iPad (1st generation) iPad 2

Users can promptly install the appropriate iOS on the iPhone and iPad. if the device is listed as compatible. Therefore, trying to install iOS 16 on an iPad Air 2 is not a legitimate action because it will never be available on incompatible hardware.

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Why It's Important To Know Which iOS Is Best For Which iPad

It's important to know which iOS version is compatible with your iPad because running an incompatible version of iOS can lead to several issues. These issues can range from minor inconveniences like reduced battery life and slower performance to major problems like system crashes and data loss. We have listed some reasons why it's important to know which iOS is best for your iPad:

Improve Performance	The latest iOS versions often come with performance enhancements that can make your iPad run faster and smoother. However, if you install an incompatible iOS version on your device, it can slow down the performance of your iPad or even cause it to crash.
Security updates	Apple sends out security updates for iOS on a regular basis to fix any holes that hackers or malicious software could use. If your iPad is running an old version of iOS, it could be vulnerable to security risks that could put your personal data and sensitive information at risk.
App compatibility	Some apps require a certain version of iOS to function correctly. If you're using an outdated version of iOS, you may not be able to use certain apps or features, which can limit the functionality of your iPad.
Compatibility with other devices	If you use other Apple devices such as an iPhone or Mac, running an incompatible version of iOS on your iPad can affect how these devices work together. For example, if you're running an older version of iOS on your iPad, you may not be able to use certain features like AirDrop or Handoff with your other Apple devices. Here you can buy second hand iPad to check out the respective iOS compatibility as well.

Conclusion: Which iOS Is Best For Which iPad?

In essence, knowing which iOS version is compatible with your iPad is important for optimal performance, security, and functionality. It ensures that your iPad runs smoothly and safely, and allows you to take full advantage of the latest features and apps. Such as the iPad Air (4th generation) and iPad Pro (5th generation) are best suited to run the latest version of iOS, which as of my knowledge cutoff date, is iOS 15. Meanwhile, older models such as the iPad Mini 2 or 3 may only support up to iOS 12. The iOS versions, release dates, and corresponding iPad models that work with each of them are listed in this post. You need to consider that an iOS version for an iPad will depend on the user's specific needs and the capabilities of their iPad model. Before making a choice, it is advised to consider the merits and potential drawbacks of each iOS version.