Why Sidecar doesn't work on older iPads
Last updated: 2026-11-05
Sidecar needs iPadOS 13 or later and one of these iPads: any iPad Pro, iPad (6th generation) or later, iPad mini (5th generation) or later, or iPad Air (3rd generation) or later. The list is on Apple's Sidecar page. No setting can add an older iPad to it, and Sidecar works only with a Mac.
| iPad | Last system | Sidecar | ZiPad |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 1 | iOS 12 | No | Tested |
| iPad mini 2 | iOS 12 | No | Supported, not tested on real devices |
| iPad mini 3 | iOS 12 | No | Supported, not tested on real devices |
| iPad Air 2 | iPadOS 15 | No | Can install, no promise of results |
| iPad mini 4 | iPadOS 15 | No | Can install, no promise of results |
| iPad 5 | iPadOS 16 | No | Can install, no promise of results |
What you can use instead
- ZiPad runs on iOS 12.5.8 and works with Mac, Windows and Linux. The free trial lets you check it on your iPad before paying.
- Splashtop Wired XDisplay lists iOS 7 or later. Yam Air lists iOS 8 or later, with a 7-minute limit per connection in its free version. Check their current pages for your computer's system.
- If you only use a Mac and don't want to sideload an app, a used iPad that supports Sidecar is the simplest choice.
How ZiPad differs from Sidecar
- ZiPad also works with Windows and Linux. Sidecar is Mac only.
- ZiPad doesn't need both devices on the same Apple Account. Sidecar does.
- Sidecar is built in. ZiPad has to be sideloaded, and a free Apple ID signature needs renewing about every 7 days.
- Sidecar supports Apple Pencil on iPads that have it. ZiPad doesn't support Apple Pencil.