My iPad won’t update pass 12.4. And I need 13 for updating certain apos

Your over 7-year old 2013, iPad Air 1 is too old, now.

It cannot be upgraded/updated beyond any point versions of iOS 12, which currently is iOS 12.4.9.

If you need/want updated iPad apps, then you to seriously consider a new iPad model or a “newer” , used iPad model capable of running the latest iPadOS 14 versions.

There are plenty of newer, older iPad models that can run the current iPadOS 14.

Best of Luck to You!

An iPad Air 1st generation cannot support iOS versions beyond 12.4.9 because of hardware incompatibility.

Regards

Giulio