iPadOS 16 includes some fancy new features like the Freeform collaboration app, new Messages and Mail features, improvements to the Files app, Weather app, and a completely redesigned multitasking experience (this seems like an annual trend), you’d be understandably curious to find out if iPadOS 16 runs on your iPad.
Listed below is the full list of iPad models that support iPadOS 16.
iPadOS 16 Compatible Devices List
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (5th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
This list comes directly from Apple.
Not All iPadOS 16 Features Supported on All iPads
While the supported devices list is fairly inclusive, not all of the iPad models that support iPadOS 16 support all of the features.
In fact, some of the best features of iPadOS 16 require a 2018 iPad Pro or newer, or M1 iPad model or better, including the ability to use an external display at full resolution with Stage Manager and iPad, and the ability to use Stage Manager multitasking at all.
That disappointing reality makes iPadOS 16 an unexciting update for iPad users without the M1 processor, and even the top-end iPad Pro models that are just two years old are unable to enjoy the Stage Manager features. Presumably the requirement for an M1 processor is due to memory and processor limitations of earlier chip architecture, but given that those other iPad models are still being sold on the Apple website as new and refurbs, you do have to wonder.
Are you excited for iPadOS 16? Are you going to run the beta right now or are you waiting for a later version, or even the final version released in the fall? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
