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ipad 3 is stuck on 10.3.3 and doesn't give me the option to update a more current iOS

Need to update my ipad 3 to the most current version of iOS. It's currently on 10.3.3 and doesn't give me options to update. When I go to Settings>General>Software Update, it's telling me that iOS 10.3.3 is the latest software and I'm up to date.


I reset it to the factory settings yesterday, but i would have thought that it would automatically find the latest software and update it with that, or provide an update.


I can't download certain apps b/c the iOS is too old. Is there a remedy for this? Thanks!

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi

Posted on Oct 25, 2020 2:56 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 30, 2020 9:48 AM

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4. An iPad3 cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular).


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 platform upon which the iPad4 is based is effectively obsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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 iPad8 supports current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 30, 2020 9:48 AM in response to toad97

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4. An iPad3 cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular).


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 platform upon which the iPad4 is based is effectively obsolete.


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 iPad8 supports current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.

Oct 29, 2020 1:25 PM in response to chuck_3rd

Thanks for the reply. I guess what confuses me is that I used to be able to load apps like Netflix and Prime, on that tablet, but now b/c of the iOS, I am unable to download them. Granted, I reset the iPad to the factory settings, but why would that change what apps I can now download? Presumably I had the latest iOS before I reset it.

ipad 3 is stuck on 10.3.3 and doesn't give me the option to update a more current iOS

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