Couldn't Apple notify users about final iOS 15.8.5 for iPad Air 2?

Apple does publish its software releases - and applicability by model:

Apple security releases - Apple Support

Similarly, devices that are vintage or obsolete - that no are longer supported by Apple - are documented here:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

As of 12 December 2025, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2* and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2*, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.5

iPad5*, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.12

iPad6, iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation*, iPad Pro 10.5" - iPadOS 17.7.10

iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7.3

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 26.2, or optionally if running iPadOS 18.x to iPadOS 18.7.3

• iPad Pro 13" (M4/M5)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4/M5)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2/M3)
• iPad (8th generation and later + A16)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)

You can offer Apple that feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

But to be honest, that really isn’t practical. The app store, however, has an information section for each app that clearly indicates the required version of iOS

Reply to Davey17x

Hi Davey ,

Yes , it would be too much trouble for Apple to notify users about their old device no longer being updated .

In Settings > general > software update > automatic updates > on .

Your device may still receive security updates for a while .

🔐