I suppose that depends on what device category you place the iPad. To many, it's a particularly hobbled laptop, especially with the advent of 2-in-1s.

>Apple actually provides software updates for devices for years longer than their competitors

This is also debatable. The nature of Apple's sandbox means that it's much harder to find third-party support. A nominal official upgrade that effectively bricks your older device doesn't compare favorably to a PC or phone that can have FOSS replacements installed that actually increase performance.