What is the expected lifespan of an iPad? (and how to extend it)

Apple introduced the first 9.7-inch iPad in January 2010 as an intermediary device between the Mac and iPhone. While there was a time when iPads were only used to calm kids throwing tantrums by playing nursery rhymes on YouTube Kids, those days are long gone.

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Fast forward to today, and iPads have evolved into more than just a larger version of the iPhone. From helping students around the world go paperless and carrying bulky backpacks to replacing MacBooks, the iPad has come a long way – the latest iPads are powered by the same Apple silicon chips that power Mac computers.

Depending on the model and configuration you’re considering, the iPad may be at the higher end of the price spectrum. This may make you wonder – does the high cost guarantee durability? How many years can pass before you need to buy a new one? There is no universal answer to the question of how long iPads usually last. Much of the answer to the durability question depends on what kind of iPad you have, how you treat it, how often you use it, the type of work you do on it, and often a bit of luck.

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Whether you’re buying an iPad for your child for their birthday or you’re wondering if your current iPad will last through college, let’s take a look at how long iPads typically last and what you can do to make sure it reaches its full potential.

Experts at Asurion say that while the average iPad should typically last a user for at least five years, it’s quite possible it could last longer, provided you don’t use it for intensive tasks and maintain it well. While Apple hasn’t explicitly stated how long an iPad should last, we can make some guesses based on a few rules of thumb.

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Products that Apple stopped selling more than five and less than seven years ago are considered “vintage” according to the company. As of this writing, 16 different iPad models fall into this category, with the most recent being the fifth-generation iPad, which was released in 2017. Ultimately, this trend suggests that Apple expects iPads to remain functional and useful for at least five to seven years.

Similarly, products that Apple has stopped selling after seven years are classified as “obsolete” and all hardware services for obsolete devices are withdrawn from Apple. As of September 2024, 31 different iPad models fall into the “obsolete” category, with the latest being the iPad Pro (9.7-inch), which was launched in 2016. This suggests that while outdated devices may still work , Apple does not guarantee compatibility with newer software updates or access to customer support.

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This is consistent with Apple’s typical software support schedule. For example, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), launched in June 2017, received iPadOS 17, but will not receive iPadOS 18 released in September 2024 – after seven years.

Apple dropping support for software updates for a specific iPad model in no way means that the iPad model is coming to an end. I have an iPad Mini 2 released in 2013 that still works fine. Although the last update we received was iOS 12.5.7 in January 2023, iOS 12 was the last major software version supported by the Mini 2. It was discontinued in 2017, but I still have it on hand and can pull it out anytime I want to hand over the device to my child entertainment. I also used it as an e-book reader for a while before investing in an iPad Air 5 for college.

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While the iPad Mini 2 does indeed expire after an hour of being turned on and most apps can no longer be updated, the fact that it’s still functional and somewhat usable after 11 years is impressive. Additionally, there are many users on Reddit who mentioned that their iPads are still working well after 5-7 years of use, which is consistent with the conclusions we drew based on Apple’s policies.

Apple devices are built to last, and with proper care, you can enjoy your iPad for many years, as I have with mine. A key aspect is protecting the iPad hardware. I have always made it a priority to keep my devices in pristine condition. One of the easiest ways to protect your iPad case is to invest in a high-quality case and screen protector. Depending on your needs, you can choose a tempered glass protector or a matte screen protector.

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While the flagship iPhone currently has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, iPads still don’t have an official IP rating. This means that they are not waterproof and are susceptible to damage. Therefore, it is best to avoid using your iPad in places where it could be exposed to moisture. If you travel a lot and often throw your iPad into a backpack, a waterproof case will also be a worthwhile investment.

Protecting the outside of your iPad is important, but that effort will be wasted if you neglect its internal health. While Apple doesn’t always have the best reputation for ensuring that software updates don’t slow down devices, it’s still important to keep your iPad updated to the latest software. Updates are released regularly to fix bugs and keep your device safe from vulnerabilities. Another factor that affects the durability of your iPad is how long the battery lasts and whether you want to replace it when it gets significantly worn out. Like iPhones and MacBooks, iPads are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and the amount of charge they store decreases as they chemically age.

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Temperature history and charging method are two factors that influence the chemical aging of iPad batteries. This means it’s best to avoid extreme temperatures, such as temperatures higher than 35°F. To maximize iPad battery life, avoid leaving iPad in hot cars. While Apple says it’s safe to leave your iPad charging overnight, the battery does get warm while charging. Therefore, unplugging your iPad once it is fully charged is always a good idea to reduce battery consumption. If you have a newer iPad, such as the M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air, you can limit charging to 80%, which is a nice addition.