iPad 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular not updating to iOS 9.3.6

Odd, 3G is a type of cellular network, so yes they should be the same thing.

And yes, the model number corresponds to a cellular iPad 2. Specifically GSM version for AT&T.

Its very strange its not appearing in iTunes either.

Outside of trying again in a couple of days, i'm not sure what else to suggest.

All info from Apple suggests that iPad 2 should be getting the 9.3.6 update.

Here: Apple security updates - Apple Support

and here: Update your iPhone or iPad software to avoid issues with location, date, and time - Apple Support

@rbrylawski, there was no iPad 2 capable of LTE. LTE didn't exist at the time. So that difference is moot. An iPad 2 Wifi+3G is for all intents and purposes a Cellular iPad.

My iPad version is MC775C/A which CNET reports as a Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G - tablet - 64 GB - 9.7" - 3G

I just checked over WiFi and it reports no updates available. I haven't tried iTunes yet because I use a very old version of iTunes and do not want to upgrade just to enable the iPad2 to connect. I might have to set up an external boot drive just to do this -- or not.

I should dig out my 4S and see if it has the same issue.

I guess the other thing to do would be to backup to iCloud, then go to the local Apple Store and ask them to re-install iOS which should take it straight to 9.3.6.

Just because something isn't on Apple's site doesn't mean there isn't an omission. Apple's own declarations on Update your iPhone or iPad software to avoid issues with location, date, and time - Apple Support are clear indication of how vague their statement is about support for "iPad 2 WiFi + Cellular" since this clearly only seems to be the case for some models.

Now if the GSM iPad2 were all produced at the end of the iPad2 run and the CDMA models were all in the early run I would agree that perhaps the later runs had the newer GPS. I am inclined to agree with MarcBR8's argument that if this were the case, why would there be any need for updates for the iPad3 Mini models?

I don't believe you are correct here. iPad 2 is also eligible for iOS 9.3.6.

The iOS 9.3.6 update is available for the iPhone 4s and cellular models of the original iPad mini, the iPad 2, and the iPad 3

If you don't see the update on your iPad, connect it to your computer and do the update using iTunes.

As long as you do have a Cellular iPad 2 it should accept 9.3.6. CDMA or GSM should not be a factor as this is an update to correct a GPS issue.

zmclearan wrote:

Hello,

iPad 2 is not compatible with iOS 9.3.6. iPad 2 is not expected to ever receive another software update.

This is wrong. The iPad 2 Wifi+Cellular is indeed compatible with the iOS 9.3.6 update.

@MarcBr8 what is the model number for your iPad in Settings->General->About->Model?

Then reach out to Apple Support. You can tap the Contact Support at the top of this page. Call them at: 1-800-MY-APPLE or visit the Apple Store Genius Bar.

Are you running the very latest version of iTunes on your computer?

That is interesting and therein lies the confusion and difference.

Wifi + 3G is limited to connecting to a cellular network of the 3G or lower type. while the Wifi + Cellular will connect to 3G or LTE depending on what is available.

But I still don't understand why if the purpose of the update is to fix something with GPS, why 3G would make the difference as to the ability to get the update?

Thanks Phil. I've been researching this since I posted and realized after it was too late to amend my post that there was only the iPad 2 Wifi + 3G, which is of course cellular and yes, I know there was no LTE back in those days.

I realize the OP called Apple, but I wouldn't take what the person they spoke with said as Gospel.

I had to speak with an Apple Advisor when iOS 12.4 was released and the advisor argued with me that I had to be using beta software because it couldn't have been released to the public yet. Which of course I had to explain had indeed been released and they still insisted on involving a senior advisor because I had to be wrong.

I tried with iTunes too without success.

I found only ipsw file for iPad 2,3 which is the iPad 2 (Wifi + CDMA).

I didn't find a version for the iPad 2,2 (Wifi + GSM)

I'm not sure that an Apple store will reinstall a 9.3.6 if Apple has not released this version for iPad 2,2

I just booted my 4S for the first time in several months. It took about 3 minutes to check with Apple but it does offer an update. It didn't automatically offer it (or do the hard-sell the way my SE does with iOS12) -- I had to manually check for updates. Basically I did the same thing I tried doing with the iPad but it didn't work with the iPad.

Just to note, I have no cell service on either device. In fact I don't even have a SIM card in the 4S, as it likes to remind me.

As I said Apple has build an image for iPad2,3 and not for iPad2,2

so the new version is only available for IPad cellular (CDMA) which is the old American cellular standard

this two models don’t use the same modem chipset.

Glad I found this thread as I was trying to figure out why my iPad 2 GSM said there weren’t any updates (OTA and iTunes). This seems like an oversight on Apple’s part. Even my old iPhone 4S GSM (found it in a drawer) got the 9.3.6 update, so I think Apple just made a mistake. That or the iPad 2 GSM couldn’t be updated for some reason.

No, it's not an oversight on Apple's Part. The only thing 9.3.6 did for iPad was fix a GPS issue which only effected CDMA versions of iPad. GSM iPad's don't have the issue. So there's no reason to push an update to fix something not an issue on your iPad.