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Why can't I update to 13 on my iPad

I want to update my iPad to13 but my iPad says 10.3.3 and that it is updated. My iPad is about 6 years old. Can I update?



Posted on Jul 1, 2020 8:32 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 1, 2020 8:41 AM

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.


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Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad7 supports current iPadOS 13.x and the majority of available Apps - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly and succinctly outlining your current options.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 1, 2020 8:41 AM in response to Viewpoint1

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.


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Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad7 supports current iPadOS 13.x and the majority of available Apps - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly and succinctly outlining your current options.

Why can't I update to 13 on my iPad

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