I’ve checked the specs of both devices and the main difference is that the Air 3 has a slightly bigger and laminated screen, 64 GB base storage option, and Touch ID Gen 2. My question is about support length. The Air 3 was released in 2019 and the iPad 8 in 2020. They have the same memory, CPU, and GPU. Will the Air 3 get 8 to 9 years of updates? The Air 3 started with iPadOS 12, while the iPad 8 started with iPadOS 14. Apple usually offers 7 years of major updates, so I think the iPad 8 will receive iPadOS 21, while the Air 3 might only get iPadOS 19. But since both run on the same hardware, shouldn’t the Air 3 also get iPadOS 21? If not, why not? It seems odd if it doesn’t get the same updates as the iPad 8.
Just make sure the touchscreen issue doesn’t happen. The iPad Air 3s have a problem with touchscreen sensitivity.
Harley said:
Just make sure the touchscreen issue doesn’t happen. The iPad Air 3s have a problem with touchscreen sensitivity.
How can I test that before I buy the iPad Air 3?
Harley said:
Just make sure the touchscreen issue doesn’t happen. The iPad Air 3s have a problem with touchscreen sensitivity.
How can I test that before I buy the iPad Air 3?
Unfortunately, you can’t. Mine had the issue three months after I bought it used. Sometimes it stops for a few weeks, other times it happens every day. I wouldn’t recommend getting an iPad Air 3 unless you just want it for casual browsing or e-reading.
@Harley
I get that. I was planning to use it with an Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing (since I am a digital artist since 2021), watching movies, and light gaming.
Ari said:
@Harley
I get that. I was planning to use it with an Apple Pencil for note-taking, drawing (since I am a digital artist since 2021), watching movies, and light gaming.
Try Googling the issue. Someone might have a fix or a test for it.
@Harley
There’s no fix. It’s the same manufacturing issue as with the Pro 10.5.
You might be overthinking this. Yes, it will last. My iPad 3 from 2012 still works fine. It might not get updates anymore, but it does what I need.
Uma said:
You might be overthinking this. Yes, it will last. My iPad 3 from 2012 still works fine. It might not get updates anymore, but it does what I need.
But I really care about updates. They’re important to me.
@Ari
If updates are a priority, you need to buy what fits your budget. Maybe look for a second-hand iPad 9 or 10 if you don’t have much cash.
Uma said:
@Ari
If updates are a priority, you need to buy what fits your budget. Maybe look for a second-hand iPad 9 or 10 if you don’t have much cash.
I’m trying to find an iPad 9, but if that doesn’t work out, I’ll consider the iPad 8 or Air 3.
If you’re on a budget, it’s better to go for the latest models like the 9th and 10th generations. They’ll get updates for at least another three years, making them a safer choice.
I’ve owned iPads for years, and the longest I’ve kept one is 5 years. The newer models have had updates for about 3 years. I’ve been cautious about update support.
I believe both iPads will likely have the same update support, but updates may not be much at this point. Apple tends to look at chipset and RAM to decide when to stop support. You might be overthinking it a bit. If you’re buying used, try to find something newer.
@Cameron
Thanks. That’s why I’m trying to get an iPad 9th gen. If I can’t, I’ll have to choose between an Air 3 or an iPad 8.
everyone knows that apple provides 7 years of major os updates
You’re assuming that future updates will run smoothly on your device. Don’t assume that because often they won’t. With Apple moving to devices with more RAM (8GB or more), older devices with less RAM (like 2-3GB) will probably slow down on newer iPadOS versions since the new iPadOS is being coded for more RAM.
Some users with 9th and 10th gen iPads are already noticing slowdowns with iPadOS. So just because Apple says your device can run the new iPadOS, don’t assume it will work well. Test it yourself as soon as the new version is released, and roll back quickly if it slows down a lot.
No. Apple ended support for the iPad Pro 10.5 earlier than for the non-Pro iPads with much worse specs. They stop support based on age.