What Every iPad Owner Needs To Know About iOS 7

We already told you which devices and features were compatible with iOS 7. Today, we take a closer look at what that compatibility means for iPad owners. When iOS 7 is released this fall, it will run on every iPad currently on the market, plus the discontinued iPad 3 model. However, as is usually the case in these matters, not all tablets are created equal when it comes to software upgrades. 

Upgrades by Model

The second-generation iPad has had a great run. That run, however, is almost certainly coming to an end. Although Apple has yet to say so officially, expect the iPad 2 to be pulled from store shelves faster than you can say iPad 5 later this year. How do we know that the iPad 2 is doomed? Consider the list of iOS 7 features not coming to the iPad first released in 2011. This includes all of the new Camera app features, plus AirDrop. In addition, the iPad 2 will remain a Siri-free zone. Apple won’t be bringing any of the advanced camera options to the iPad 3, iPad 4, or iPad mini. These features include Panorama, and filtering in the Camera app. Square and video formats, and swipe to capture will be available on all these models, as will support for filtering in the Photos app. However, the iPad 3 won’t support AirDrop. Here is a summary of iOS 7 compatibility, according to iPad model. Note:  Apple says that this list is subject to change. This means that through the iOS 7 beta process, features may be added and removed from the list.

Next Generation iPads

The iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 will likely support all of the announced iOS 7 features, including the advanced camera options. However, until Apple actually announces the new models, we won't know this for sure. A lot will depend on the quality of the camera on each model.

Native apps

Apple has yet to release an iOS 7 beta for iPad. Because of this, no one knows for sure whether all of the announced native apps for iPhone will carry over to the tablet line. In iOS6, the Weather app is conspicuously absent from the iPad. So too is the native Stocks app. Might these finally arrive to the iPad in iOS 7? Perhaps, they will -- or not. We, like many others, can't wait to see iOS 7 on the iPad and iPad mini. When we do, we'll give you a first look. Until then, stay tuned. See also: Apple Developers Still Waiting For iOS 7 Beta For iPad, Hidden Features In iOS 7 Discovered: Folders In Folders, Gestures And More, and Cydia Tweak: How To Make iOS 6 Look Like iOS 7.  

Related articles