I have a 10-year-old Apple iPad Mini that I still use in 2025. But before I dive into what it’s like using this device today, let’s take a step back to 2015. Here are some major events from that year in technology, movies, music, and politics—a reminder of just how old, yet remarkably reliable, this iPad Mini truly is.
Technology
1. Apple Releases the First Apple Watch (April 24, 2015) – Apple entered the smartwatch market, revolutionizing wearable technology.
2. Google Becomes Alphabet (August 10, 2015) – Google restructured its company under the parent organization Alphabet Inc.
3. Tesla Unveils the Powerwall (April 30, 2015) – Tesla introduced the Powerwall, a home battery designed for energy storage and sustainability.
Movies
1. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (December 18, 2015) – The long-awaited continuation of the Star Wars saga was released and became one of the highest-grossing films ever.
2. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (May 15, 2015) – This action-packed film was critically acclaimed and won multiple Academy Awards.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Wins an Oscar (February 28, 2016, for 2015’s The Revenant) – Though the ceremony was in early 2016, DiCaprio’s win for The Revenant was one of the most talked-about moments of 2015.
Music
1. Adele Releases “Hello” (October 23, 2015) – The song became an instant hit, topping charts worldwide and breaking YouTube records.
2. Taylor Swift’s 1989 Dominates the Charts – Released in late 2014, 1989 ruled 2015 with multiple hits like Blank Space and Bad Blood.
3. The Rise of Streaming Services – 2015 saw streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music become the dominant way people consumed music, shifting the industry away from digital downloads.
Politics
1. Paris Climate Agreement Adopted (December 12, 2015) – Countries agreed on a global plan to combat climate change.
2. European Migrant Crisis Peaks – A massive influx of refugees, especially from Syria, led to a humanitarian and political crisis in Europe.
3. Donald Trump Announces His Presidential Candidacy (June 16, 2015) – His campaign launch marked the beginning of a highly controversial and unprecedented political journey.
Personal Reflections on 2015
How many of you remember these events? I still recall watching the Apple Watch launch event and going to the cinema for Mad Max: Fury Road and The Force Awakens. I should probably remember the day Donald Trump announced his candidacy—in hindsight, a truly monumental moment in world history.
On a more personal note, 2015 was the year I received my Bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation. Soon after, I enrolled in English philology studies, which led me to purchase this very Apple iPad Mini.
The iPad Mini (2015): Still Holding Up a Decade Later
The iPad Mini 4, released in September 2015, was the latest model at the time, featuring a thinner design, an improved A8 chip, and a better display. My model has 16GB storage with WiFi only, making it the most affordable version available back then. Surprisingly, it still holds up today.
Of course, there are limitations. Gaming is nearly impossible due to the low storage, and using the internet outside means relying on a mobile hotspot.
Battery Life in 2025
I haven’t replaced the battery since I bought it. When I travel for work—spending about five to six hours on a bus—I usually connect to my hotspot to stream Netflix or YouTube. Under these conditions, the battery lasts around two to two and a half hours. I haven’t timed it precisely, as I always plug it into a USB charging station once my journey begins.
The Display
There was a time when I couldn’t imagine watching movies or Netflix on a 7.9-inch screen. Things change. The bezels on this iPad feel massive compared to modern devices, and the lack of anti-reflective coating makes glare an issue. To top it off, the screen is a fingerprint magnet, as evident in my photos—believe me, I tried to clean it.
Yet, when you’re stuck on a five-hour bus ride, and the book you brought along fails to hold your interest, even a small screen can be a welcome escape. In those moments, watching a movie on this decade-old iPad becomes not just convenient, but surprisingly enjoyable.
Still Compatible with Modern Apple Accessories
Surprisingly, my AirPods Pro connects flawlessly to this ten-year-old iPad Mini. This reminds me that my mid-2010 MacBook Pro wasn’t able to connect to them—a testament to Apple’s evolving technology.
The Forgotten Camera and Limited Gaming
Interestingly, I hardly ever use the iPad’s camera. I probably took a few photos when I first got it, but that’s about it.
Do you remember that scene in House of Cards where Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) plays Monument Valley on his iPad? That’s one of the few games I recall playing on this device, alongside Sudoku and the occasional card game. A first-person shooter or racing game would have been fun, but with just 16GB of storage, space runs out fast.
My Apple Ecosystem and Future Upgrades
Currently, I use an iPhone 13 Mini and a 4th-generation iPad Mini. You might now understand why I chose to upgrade my MacBook Pro from a 13-inch to a 14-inch screen—a seemingly small change, but one you feel immediately. Given this trend, you might think my next phone will have a larger display.
As for buying a new iPad? That remains to be seen. If iPadOS were more like macOS, I’d consider replacing my MacBook with an iPad Pro. But since Apple has no plans to merge the two operating systems, a high-end iPad doesn’t offer much practical use for me—unless I don’t commit to a larger phone.
The Durability of Apple Devices
Love or hate Apple, one thing is undeniable: they design long-lasting devices. My mid-2010 MacBook Pro still functions well enough for web browsing, and this 2015 iPad Mini remains surprisingly usable.
Would I recommend using a 10-year-old iPad in 2025? If your needs are basic, absolutely.
Final Thoughts
Using a 10-year-old iPad Mini in 2025 is a testament to Apple’s durability. Despite its limitations, it still serves its purpose for streaming, light browsing, and basic tasks. While technology has advanced significantly since 2015, this device remains a reliable companion, proving that well-designed hardware can stand the test of time.
Kindly,
Olaaf
