Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Ipad not updating

I am using an ipad mini i bought in 2016. I am trying to update it to an IOS higher than 9.3.6 but it is saying that the version I have is the latest version. any suggestions.

iPad mini, iOS 9

Posted on May 3, 2020 3:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on May 3, 2020 4:10 PM

Your very old first generation iPad mini can, theoretically, be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models). It cannot be updated to iOS10 or any later major version as its internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for update to newer versions.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12. Withdrawal of support for older versions of iOS is making the utility and usefulness of older iPad models increasingly limited.


As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Even the most basic current iPad7 will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps.


Sorry, I’m sure this isn’t the news that you were hoping for. I hope this information proves helpful to you, if only in making clear your current options.

3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

May 3, 2020 4:10 PM in response to reem43s

Your very old first generation iPad mini can, theoretically, be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models). It cannot be updated to iOS10 or any later major version as its internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for update to newer versions.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12. Withdrawal of support for older versions of iOS is making the utility and usefulness of older iPad models increasingly limited.


As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Even the most basic current iPad7 will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps.


Sorry, I’m sure this isn’t the news that you were hoping for. I hope this information proves helpful to you, if only in making clear your current options.

May 3, 2020 4:39 PM in response to reem43s

You own a 2012, 1st generation iPad Mini.

A 1st gen iPad Mini cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 9.3.5/9.3.6/

A 1st gen iPad Mini is an OVER 7-1/2-year old device, now!

Its internal hardware is too old, underpowered and completely incompatible with any of the current and future versions of iOS/iPadOS.


Apple supports new iPad models for up to 5-6 years with third party app developers supporting these iPads for another 2-3 years after.

So, that is a total of between 7-9 years of iPad/iOS support!

Older iPad models, like the iPad 2, 3, 4 and 1st gen iPad Mini have ALL reached this support limit!


Sorry. It is what it is at this very late date, now here in the year 2020.


If you need an iPad that can run the latest and greatest versions of iOS, as well as, the most current apps available, then, you need to purchase a new iPad from Apple or a discounted, refurbished iPad from Apple’s Refurbished & Clearance section of Apple’s Website or a new or refurbished iPad from an Apple authorised, third party retail or online reseller OR other trusted sources for new or used Apple products.


These old iPad 2, 3, 4 and 1st gen iPad Mini models are nearing 8 and 9-years old, now.

As of the beginning of 2019, many, MANY third party app developers are all more quickly and completely permanently dropping older app support for all old 7, 8 and 9-year iPads that are running 2-3 year old and earlier iOS versions ( iOS 10 and earlier ).

Third party app developers are removing all of their older, legacy versions of their apps from Apple's App Store servers, now.

Third party app developers no longer want to support these 8 and 9-year old or older iOS devices, any longer!

Older versions of apps are, soon, going to be gone for good, now!

Getting older versions of apps for these old iPad models, initially from Apple’s iOS App Store is getting very difficult and very problematic and this issue is getting, painfully, much worse in 2020, now!

These old iPads are now reaching their complete end of life and support.

So finding older versions apps for older iPads, while still possible, currently, will be a tough challenge, now, in 2020.


Old iPads that can no longer be upgraded/updated will have NO MORE APPS AVAILABLE for initial download, at all, soon, from the Apple iOS App Store, for such old iOS devices in the very near future.

Older versions of apps for these older iPads will be completely gone, at some point, in the very foreseeable future.


Again, it is what it is, today, in the year 2020!


So, this is really now the time to seriously consider a new or discounted, refurbished iPad from Apple or other Apple authorised resellers.


A lot has happened with iPad and iOS in 7-9 years and in the past 2 to 3-1/2 years since iOS 9 and 10.


As an example and compared to your 7-1/2-year old iPad Mini model,

The cheapest, baseline 2019, 10.2 inch screen 7th gen Apple iPads have a 1/2 inch larger retina screen, newer, more powerful and nearly 2-1/2 times faster 2.3 Ghz, A10 Fusion processors, AT LEAST, 3-4 times the internal RAM, with the 2019, 7th gen iPad having 3 GBs of internal RAM, iPadOS 13 support, with much better and improved multitasking features, Apple Pencil and Apple Smart keyboard cover support and have better audio speakers and better/improved built-in cameras.


In addition, if you search online and look at various, reputable online Apple device resellers, you can usually find this 2019, 7th gen iPad at discounts of between $60 U.S.D and $100 U.S.D. depending on storage size and whether it is a WiFi ONLY model or a WiFi/cellular data model.




Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

Ipad not updating

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.