IPad Air iOS update

The original “first generation” iPad Air cannot be updated to iPadOS 13.x as it lacks the necessary minimum specification to support the newest version.

Major update support for iPad Air1 ended in September 2019. Whilst a few minor security “point” updates have since been released, the final supported version of iOS for Air1 is iOS 12.4.7. As such, your description implies that you have already updated to the most recent version of iOS supported by your iPad.

iPad Air2 and the current iPad Air3 can be updated to iPadOS 13.5.1. As these models are upgradable to iPadOS 13.x, whose release precedes the final iOS 12.4.7 release, the final iOS 12.x release will not be found on either Air2 or Air3 models.

As such, with an iPad Air1 it cannot be updated further. If Apps that you need require iPadOS 13.x, then you have no alternative other than to replace your iPad with a newer model.

Sorry, this is perhaps not the news that you were hoping to hear, but I hope this information is helpful in informing your options.

Yup.

The 2013, 1st gen iPad Air cannot be upgraded/updated beyond any version of iOS 12, which is currently at iOS 12.4.7.

The internal hardware is too old and too underpowered to run any of the new and advanced features of iPadOS 13.

Sorry.

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.

If you must purchase older, used iPad models, DO NOT look at anything older than a 2014 iPad Air 2 or 2015 iPad Mini 4.

Both of these models are the oldest iPad models that the up and coming iPadOS 14 will support, in the Fall of 2020.

If you must purchased used devices from unknown sources, you must ask A WHOLE LOT more questions of the iOS device seller, ask for more photo/images, ask if the iPad has user/iCloud activation lock and ask for photos/images/short video proof that such an iPad has been reset factory settings and shown proof of the iOS device's start up screen showing the animated, moving, multi-language “Hello” Welcome to iPad screen.

If the iOS device seller is unwilling to do all of this to show you that the iPad, in question, is ready to use with no barriers to new user activation and use, pass on the iOS device and look at other iOS device sellers elsewhere.

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

If it is a 1st gen iPad Air it cannot be updated further than 12.4.7.

https://9to5mac.com/2019/09/19/iphone-ipad-ios-13-compatibility/