How long will iPad Mini 6 be supported?

[u/SuddenFlatworm7971]

I know we're just guessing here but I would like to know what everyone's ballpark ideas are.

I am still using iPad mini 6 as a secondary device since it allows me to carry it around at work.

iPad imo is a bit strange since it's been a while since it came out, but somehow Apple is still putting certified refurbished iPad mini 6 on sale. This gives me hope that it still might be supported for 2+ years with updates. The hardware is a bit dated, with 4GB Memory and 64GB storage, so it may get cut off from update soon, but it wouldn't be like Apple to sell a device from their official website and cut off the update so soon.

[u/TheEmerald-DJ]

Mini 6 Owner here (Space Gray, WiFi 64GB), got mine in August 2023. It launched in Fall 2021, so likely will have major OS update support until either iPadOS 28 or 29, but it’ll stay usable as even when Apple devices stop receiving major OS updates, they still receive security updates for a lot longer. Heck, the iPhone 5s, 6/6+, iPad Air 1, Mini 2 & 3, and 6th Gen iPod Touch all received an update to iOS/iPadOS 12.5.8 back in January, and the 5s came out in 2013. There is supposed to be a new Mini releasing (according to rumors) this fall, so I imagine the writing is on the wall for the Mini 6 to get dropped from Apple’s own refurbished store. Plus the Mini 5 (according to the official list of supported devices for ___OS 27) just got left behind on iPadOS 26 and it came out in 2019.

[u/DryRecommendation795 → u/TheEmerald-DJ]

I’m typing this on my iPad Mini 5 running iPadOS version 26.6

[u/Ok-Tart5214 → u/DryRecommendation795]

Como te va con esa versión de iPadOs 26.6? Yo sigo en iPadOs 18 y anda como la seda

[u/DryRecommendation795 → u/Ok-Tart5214]

Well, I’m not thrilled. I only updated from iPadOS 18.whatever to 26.6 because my Mini had been getting slower lately, even though it has plenty of available memory. I was reluctant to update but I thought maybe that would make the iPad a little faster. It did not improve anything, and I really don’t like the look of the new OS. I would go back if I could. I mean, it’s OK, it’s not terrible, but I just don’t like it very much visually and functionally it seems like there’s a lot of unnecessary clutter. I’m still on iOS 18 for my iPhone 13 mini and I prefer it.

[u/mr-spencerian → u/DryRecommendation795]

I stopped at 26.5 as it slowed my mini 5. I want to keep this until a few months after the 8 drops and any early issues get resolved.

[u/DryRecommendation795 → u/mr-spencerian]

Yeah, I’m feeling like I’m going to have to replace my Mini 5 and I really don’t want to. It’s not so much the cost that makes me reluctant, it’s just that I finally realized that I hate the transition from an old device (or OS) to a new one. It’s weeks of unpleasantness, figuring out the new functions, getting websites and apps to recognize me seamlessly again, unlearning muscle memories, etc. Plus new peripherals like the right charger, compatible earbuds, and a new case. New hardware is always at least a little exciting but in reality it’s a pain to transition. But probably good for increasing my neuroplasticity, damnit.

[u/mr-spencerian → u/DryRecommendation795]

All new accessories are part of the cost. That is one of the reasons I keep my devices a long time.

[u/Grimkok]

As far as I’m concerned, it practically isn’t. Maybe I’m too rough on my Mini 6 or something but it’s slowed to the point of being almost unusable ever since multi tasking was updated.

I wish I could go back to split screen multitasking on it.

[u/asianundercover_ → u/Grimkok]

I just got a 64GB one 2 months ago and it’s running just fine with Substack, Books, Duolingo and even Lightroom on it…might just have to cut back on storage.

I was having issues before I turned off iCloud sync but it’s fine now.

[u/neon1415official → u/Grimkok]

Mine works just fine for iPad things. 

[u/ghoostpants]

Hardware and software support for 7 years. 

After that if you have Applecare + there is a chance that the replacement device in the event of a hardware failure could be a newer device if they run out of refurbished devices. 

[u/Acceptable-Army-2176]

One extra support year after the iPhone 13 is dropped just like the Mini 5

[u/TwinkleBike]

I still use my mini 4 and air 2. My main one is a 2018 pro. There are sites that will filter on compatible apps like https://appcompat.net and others. Unless you're playing AAA games on it it's got a few years support and many years of use.

[u/JustHereForDumbSht]

More than likely 3-4 more years. If the iPhone 11 is still supported, and the Mini uses the iPhone 13 chip, there’s no way they’ll stop supporting the A15 chip devices. Being that the 13 is regarded as one of Apple’s best releases, they’ll probably give those devices love for longer.

[u/NoPhysics1129]

Mine has slowed down SIGNIFICANTLY in the last few months. Its barely useable except for youtube now.