Big tech companies have a funny way of making completely functional devices feel obsolete long before they’re actually useless. The idea is that they want you to move forward with an upgrade. Then there’s the complication of finding an e-waste recycler to properly dispose of the device as electronics, especially those with lithium-ion batteries, shouldn’t simply be tossed in the garbage can. In reality, an iPad doesn’t stop being a perfectly usable tablet just because it stopped receiving software updates. Apple might attempt to dictate when it’s time for you to upgrade, but that doesn’t mean you should listen. Apple’s forced obsolescence usually comes before any significant iPad battery degradation. Often, many apps will still run on outdated iOS software for quite a while before they completely move on.

I would know. I have a history of “outdated” iPads. In my house, I still have an iPad 2 from 2011 and a later model. It’s been almost a decade since I purchased my last iPad. But that doesn’t mean the iPads in my possession are paperweights. In fact, they still have value despite having severely outdated operating systems. We pay too much money to simply toss an outdated tablet to the side. I remember when the iPad 2 received its last update in 2016. I was very agitated that Apple had seemingly decided that a $ 600-$700 tablet only had a 5-year lifespan. I’ve used computers, phones, TVs, and gaming consoles for significantly longer periods while still receiving updates and support from the manufacturer. But I was determined to make my iPad go the distance, and it did for years. Now, my iPad 2 is basically a brick. But my iPad Mini, which came a few years later, still has plenty of life left in it.

These iPads have reached their stopping point with iOS

It’s important to understand whether your iOS meets minimum app requirements

All the iPad generations below have received their final iOS update. You should find out where you stand before searching for new utility avenues for your old hardware.

Play music and watch movies and videos

If your iPad is a 5th generation device (2017), the iOS is capped at iOS 16.7.12. The final update for your device was in 2025. But there are several media apps that you can utilize. Turn your iPad into a media hub for music and streaming. It can be a great source of entertainment while traveling. Here are some of the best media apps you can still use on older iPads, including their minimum iOS requirements. Many even work with iPads older than the 5th generation model.

• Apple Music – iOS 10 (iPad 2012 4th 2012Gen and up)
• Apple Podcasts – iOS 10 (iPad 2012 4th Gen and up)
• Spotify – iOS 16.1 (iPad Pro 2015 1st Gen and up)
• Netflix – iOS 26.0 (iPad Pro 2018 3rd Gen & iPad 2020 8th Gen and up)
• Disney+ – iOS 16.5 (iPad Pro 2015 1st Gen and up)
• YouTube – iOS 17.0 (iPad Pro 2017 2nd Gen & iPad 2018 6th Gen and up)
• Hulu – iOS 16.4 (iPad Pro 2015 1st Gen and up)
• Plex – iOS 16.0 (iPad Pro 2015 1st Gen and up)

This means that iPads as old as the 4th generation, which is 14 years old, can still run Apple Music and Podcasts. Also, iPads as old as the 2015 Pro can still play Apple Music/Podcasts, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and Plex.

Repurpose your iPad as an e-reader

Skip buying a new Kindle until your iPad runs its course

Naturally, tablets are great devices for reading digital books. Just because an iPad isn’t a dedicated e-reader doesn’t mean you can’t use it as such. Before shelving your old iPad, consider using it for your digital book library. There are multiple apps that can still fulfill their purpose on older iPads.

• Apple Books – iOS 10 (iPad 2012 4th 2012Gen and up)
• Amazon Kindle – iOS 17.0 (iPad Pro 2017 2nd Gen & iPad 2018 6th Gen and up)
• Libby – iOS 13.0 (iPad Mini 2015 4th Gen and up)
• Kobo Books & Audiobooks – iOS 18.0 (iPad Pro 2018 3rd Gen and up)
• Google Play Books & Audiobooks – iOS 18.0 (iPad Pro 2018 3rd Gen and up)

The education angle

Old iPads are great for growing young minds

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new iPad, you can pass along your old iPad to your youngsters, who could use it for educational development. There are several apps that can stimulate young minds and teach them new skills. Here are a few apps to consider.

• Duolingo – iOS 17.0 (iPad Pro 2017 2nd Gen & iPad 2018 6th Gen and up)
• PBS Kids Games – iOS 15.6 (iPad Air 2014 2nd Gen and up)
• Khan Academy Kids – iOS 13.0 (iPad Mini 2015 4th Gen and up)

Apple iPads aren’t destined to die the moment Apple stops supporting a specific model. These are expensive devices. Extend the life of your iPad as far as you can stretch it. Safari requires iOS 10 and up. That means that you need at least the 2012 4th iPad generation to run your web browser. While apps may become obsolete, you can still utilize the browser for many functions. For instance, YouTube’s app might require iOS 17, but older iPads can simply run YouTube within the Safari browser. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. You just have to know what your limits are and what your device can handle.

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Apple

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