The iPad Pro 2021 receives iPadOS 18 and will continue to receive security updates for several more years
Yes. The iPad Pro 2021 (both 11-inch and 12.9-inch models) is compatible with iPadOS 18, released in September 2024. Apple supports iPad Pro models for roughly seven to eight years after release, which means your 2021 model will likely receive major updates through 2028 or 2029, plus security patches beyond that.
The 2021 iPad Pro uses the M1 chip, which is powerful enough to run current and near-future versions of iPadOS. Apple does not drop support for iPad Pro models as quickly as it does for older iPad Air or iPad mini devices, so you have a longer window than you might expect.
Key Takeaways
- The iPad Pro 2021 runs iPadOS 18 and will receive major updates for at least five to seven more years.
- Security patches arrive regularly even after a device stops receiving major version updates, keeping your device safer longer.
- You can check your current iPadOS version and available updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
- The M1 chip in the 2021 model is still powerful enough to handle new features Apple adds to iPadOS, so you are not at risk of being left behind soon.
How long iPad Pro models typically stay supported
Apple's support window for iPad Pro is longer than for most other iPad lines. A new iPad Pro usually receives major updates (iPadOS 18, 19, 20, and so on) for seven to eight years. The 2021 iPad Pro, released in May 2021, would fall out of the major-update cycle around 2028 or 2029 based on this pattern.
After a device stops receiving major updates, Apple continues to release security patches for another year or two. These patches fix vulnerabilities without adding new features. So even if your 2021 iPad Pro stops getting iPadOS 19 or 20, it will still receive security fixes for a while longer.
The M1 chip is the reason your 2021 model has a long support life. It is the same processor Apple used in MacBook Air and Mac mini computers, which means it is built to last. Newer versions of iPadOS are designed with the M1 in mind, so you will not hit a wall where your device is too old to run the software.
Checking your current iPadOS version and updates
To see what version of iPadOS your iPad Pro is running, open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. The screen will show your current version and whether an update is available. If an update is waiting, you can read and install it from this same screen.
iPadOS updates usually arrive in the fall (September or October) when Apple releases new major versions. Security updates can come at any time, sometimes multiple times per month. Your iPad Pro will notify you when an update is ready, and you can choose to install it when ready or delay it for a few days.
Keeping your iPad Pro updated is important because security patches close holes that hackers can exploit. Even if you do not care about new features, installing security updates protects your data and accounts.
What happens when your iPad Pro reaches the end of support
When Apple stops releasing major updates for your 2021 iPad Pro, the device will not suddenly stop working. It will continue to run the last version of iPadOS it received, and you can still use all your apps and files. The difference is that you will no longer get new features or major improvements.
Security patches will stop arriving at some point, which is when you should consider whether to keep using the device for sensitive tasks like banking or email. At that stage, the risk of an unpatched vulnerability being exploited increases over time. Many people keep older iPad Pro models as media consumption devices or for offline work, where the security risk is lower.
For a 2021 iPad Pro, this end-of-support scenario is still five to seven years away, so it is not a concern you need to think about right now.
The difference between major updates and security patches
A major update is a new version of iPadOS — like going from iPadOS 17 to iPadOS 18. These updates add new features, change how the interface looks, and improve performance. They usually arrive once per year in the fall. Your 2021 iPad Pro will receive these for several more years.
A security patch is a small update that fixes vulnerabilities without adding features. These can arrive multiple times per month and are often numbered like iPadOS 18.1, 18.1.1, or 18.2. Security patches are less visible but just as important because they protect your device from being hacked.
Your iPad Pro will prompt you to install both types of updates. Major updates are larger (often 1 to 3 gigabytes) and take longer to install. Security patches are smaller and faster. Both should be installed as soon as they arrive.
Why the M1 chip matters for long-term support
The M1 processor in your 2021 iPad Pro is one reason Apple will support it for a long time. The M1 is a high-performance chip that Apple designed for both iPad Pro and Mac computers. Because it is powerful and efficient, it can handle new features that Apple adds to iPadOS for years to come.
Older iPad models with less powerful chips sometimes fall out of support sooner because they cannot run new features without slowing down. The M1 does not have this problem. Apple will keep adding features to iPadOS, and your 2021 iPad Pro will be able to run them.
This is different from, say, an iPad Air from 2017, which uses an older A10X chip and may stop receiving major updates sooner. The M1 puts your 2021 iPad Pro in the same category as much newer devices in terms of processing power.
What to do if an update fails or causes problems
If an iPadOS update fails to install, try restarting your iPad Pro and attempting the update again. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap read and Install. Make sure you have at least 5 gigabytes of free storage space and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
If an update installs but causes problems — like apps crashing or battery draining faster — you can report the issue to Apple through the Feedback app (built into iPadOS) or contact Apple Support. Do not try to downgrade to an older version of iPadOS; Apple does not allow this, and it can damage your device.
In most cases, a problematic update is fixed by a follow-up security patch within a few weeks. If you are concerned about stability, you can wait a week or two after a major update is released before installing it, giving Apple time to release a patch if problems are widespread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip iPadOS updates and stay on an older version?
No. Once you update to a new version of iPadOS, you cannot downgrade. You can delay installing an update for a few days or weeks by dismissing the notification, but eventually you will need to install it. Apple does not provide a way to stay on older versions permanently.
Will my iPad Pro 2021 work with iPadOS 19 and beyond?
Almost certainly yes. The M1 chip is powerful enough that Apple will likely support it through iPadOS 19, 20, and possibly further. However, Apple has not announced support timelines that far in advance, so you cannot know for certain until those versions are released.
What if I do not update my iPad Pro for a year?
Your device will continue to work, but it will become less find as new vulnerabilities are discovered and patched in newer versions. Apps may also start requiring newer versions of iPadOS, which could prevent you from installing updates to those apps. It is best to update within a few weeks of a new version being released.
Does updating to a new iPadOS version slow down my iPad Pro?
Not typically. The M1 iPad Pro 2021 is powerful enough that new versions of iPadOS run smoothly on it. You might notice a small slowdown for a few hours after updating while the system optimizes itself, but this is temporary and normal.
Where can I find out when iPadOS 19 or later will be released?
Apple usually announces new versions of iPadOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, with release dates in September or October. You can check Apple's official website or follow Apple's announcements to learn about upcoming versions and their release dates.