I have an ipad gen 4 and I can’t update it.

Given that an iPad 4th generation can't support iOS versions beyond 10.3.3-4, I can barely see the details of your low-resolution picture, but... it seems to me that the model is A1416. Check it, please.

Should be this case, that device is an iPad 3rd generation and, because of hardware incompatibility, it cannot support iOS versions beyond 9.3.5-6.

Regards

Giulio

You clearly have an iPad3. The iPad3 cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular).

Apple ended update support for the iPad3 in September 2016. It cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later versions, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS.

Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store, now limiting utility and usefulness of older devices. 

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 and new iPad8 support current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad.

I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the limitations of your iPad3 and your potential options.

No problem at all. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to both identify your iPad and determine the reason why you are unable to update your iPad.

I’m sorry that it’s not the news that you were hoping for.

You are most welcome

Giulio