Why can't I update the iOS software on my iPad?
My iPad has iOS version 10.3.3 installed and no update is available. I want to upgrade to at least iOS 12
You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
My iPad has iOS version 10.3.3 installed and no update is available. I want to upgrade to at least iOS 12
If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4 - as confirmed by your model number.
Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions.
Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.
If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Even the basic current iPad7 supports current iPadOS 13.x - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad4.
I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options.
If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4 - as confirmed by your model number.
Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions.
Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.
If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Even the basic current iPad7 supports current iPadOS 13.x - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad4.
I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options.
If you can't update past iOS 10.3.3, your iPad is incompatible with iOS 11 or higher. If you'd like to use iOS 12 or iPadOS 13, you'll need a newer device.
Why can't I update the iOS software on my iPad?