3 iPads are reportedly not getting iPadOS 18 — and we're confused

Every year, Apple releases a brand new version of its mobile operating systems: iOS for the iPhone and iPadOS for the iPad. But due to hardware limitations with older models and advancing technology, Apple's operating systems drop some of the most senior devices.

2024 will be no different. However, there is something interesting about which iPad models will reportedly not be receiving the upcoming iPadOS 18 update, according to numerous Apple insider websites such as MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

iPadOS 18 will not be compatible with the following iPads:

• iPad - 6th generation

• iPad Pro (12.9-inch) - 2nd generation 

• iPad Pro (10.5-inch) - 2nd generation 

iPadOS 18 will be compatible with:

• iPad: 2019 and later 

• iPad Air: 2019 and later 

• iPad mini: 2019 and later 

• iPad Pro 2018 and later

Here's what's odd

If these reports are accurate, the interesting thing here is that Apple is giving an iPad model with an older chipset a longer shelf life than the iPad Pro configurations with a newer chipset.

By not supporting the second-generation iPad Pro models, iPadOS 18 seemingly will drop support for the A10X Fusion chip, a more powerful version of the A10 Fusion processor that was used to power the base iPad model (and the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus).

However, the seventh-generation iPad released in 2019, will be supported by iPadOS 18. And that iPad is powered by the A10 Fusion chip. The situation becomes even more confusing given that the second-generation iPad Pro models were released in 2017, despite being equipped with the newer and more powerful chip.

Again, it should be noted that these are unconfirmed reports from an Apple insider, but one that has a "strong track record" per 9to5Mac. 

It's likely that Apple will confirm which iPad models will receive the iPadOS 18 update at WWDC, which Apple just announced for June 10. So, we'll just have to wait and see until then.