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.

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

update software from iOS 10.3.3 to iOS 12

My old iPad says the software is up to date with iOS 10.3.3 so will not update to latest version.

Have not used it for 2-3 years.

Plenty of room on hard drive

Rebooted

Plugged in to power


How do I update the software version

iPad, iOS 10

Posted on Jul 29, 2020 1:27 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 29, 2020 2:04 PM

Your iPad4 cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4.


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. The 32-bit architecture and operating system upon which it is based is essentially onsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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 the limitations of your iPad4 and your current options.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 29, 2020 2:04 PM in response to sdsholder

Your iPad4 cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4.


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. The 32-bit architecture and operating system upon which it is based is essentially onsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12 - 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 the limitations of your iPad4 and your current options.

update software from iOS 10.3.3 to iOS 12

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