Upgrade ipad

I have two iPads that won’t work with some newer versions of apps. Can I download a newer version of iOS onto my iPad

iPad, iOS 10

Posted on Jul 6, 2020 10:54 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 6, 2020 10:59 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Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Whilst older iPad models are far from useless, 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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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 cheapest entry-level iPad7 supports current iPadOS 13.x - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that will vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options. Time perhaps to treat yourself to something new and shiney!

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 6, 2020 10:59 AM in response to D3-

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Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options. Time perhaps to treat yourself to something new and shiney!

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Upgrade ipad

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