I cannot get the latest updates to install on my iPad Air?

Yes,

You need to connect that iPad to a Mac or Windows PC, also connected to the Internet, downloaded, installed and running the latest version of the iTunes application for Mac or PC and let the iTunes application do the upgrade of your 2013 iPad Air 1 to its maximum iOS version, currently at iOS 12.4.6.

Best of Luck to You!

A 2013 1st generation iPad Air cannot upgrade/update beyond iOS 12.4.6.

Sorry.

What iOS version is your iPad Air currently running?

The 2013, 1st gen iPad Air can only be upgraded to iOS 12.4.6.

Hello,

What is your iPad’s exact model number and what version of the system software is it running?

Settings > General > About

At this stage, I suggest contacting/reaching out to Apple Product support and services about your upgrade/update difficulties.

Tap on the first link below and scroll down some to get to the Apple Product Support section and phone numbers for your location/region.

https://www.apple.com/contact/

OR

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232

Best of Luck to You!

Nope.

You did everything correctly.

All you had to do next was click on the Update button in iTunes to have iTunes begin the upgrade/update process.

That model number corresponds to a 2013, 1st generation iPad Air.

I tried this and it says, "iTunes could not back up the iPad because an error occurred while reading from or writing to the iPad.

I have already backed up my iPad to iCloud. Is there any way to update without iTunes trying to backup my iPad first?

Thank you so much for getting back to me. I tried it - and when it was saying back-up - I clicked on that button. It ended up stopping everything. Still couldn't update. Am I misunderstanding your instructions?

ugh - I did - and still wanted to back-up. It was almost complete saying "Extracting Software" - and at the VERY end it says backing up. I clicked the "x" - and it just took me out of the whole process.

How do i update my ipad air ?

My iPad is only on 8.4.1?

Ive never updated it , it is model number

MD789LL/B

it says I have too use iTunes to update it?

Yes.

When the backup starts in iTunes, go up to top main iTunes center window and inside of this window to the left is a small cancel button.

Click on the cancel button to cancel the backup.

Many thanks!