Updated iOS

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.

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Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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.

That is exactly why.

Actually, your iPad model is over 8-years old, now.

Your iPad is too old, now.

Sorry.

If you need/want an pad with an ugraded/updated OS, with current, updated apps, then you need to seriously consider a new iPad model OR a much “newer” , used iPad model capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.

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

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

Since you say it is 8years old, I am guessing that it is an iPad 4 which cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.x.x. It lacks the components needed to run later software.