The lifespan of an iPad varies significantly depending on its usage, with general estimates ranging from 4 to 7 years. For intensive use as a portable workstation, the lifespan might be as short as 2-3 years due to battery wear and performance demands, whereas casual use can extend it to 4-6 years. As a media device, an iPad may last 5-8 years, while corporate uses like kiosks or point-of-sale systems can see 6-10 years of service, thanks to long OS update cycles. Battery degradation is the primary wear factor, with the iPad's battery typically retaining 80% capacity for around 1,000 charges, but charging habits and environmental conditions can affect this. The absence of moving parts in iPad hardware means fewer failure points, although screen damage and battery issues are common concerns. While iPads do not inherently slow down, software updates and increasingly demanding applications can make older models feel sluggish. Apple generally provides major software updates for about 7 years and security updates for up to 10 years, but once support ends, app functionality may decline, necessitating an upgrade.