Trying to install iOS update but it won’t load

Can’t install update on my iPad

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 4:33 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 4:36 AM

Your iPad Air cannot update past iOS 12.4.9.

To update further, you need a newer iPad model.

10 replies

Nov 25, 2020 4:50 AM in response to Decanter24

Decanter24 wrote:

Ok so how do I use it without the new update

The same way that you have been using it all along. You run the apps that the device is capable of running and that’s all that you can do. The device hasn’t stopped functioning, it is simply too old for any further software updates and therefore can’t take advantage of the newest features that the current iOS offers.

Nov 25, 2020 4:40 AM in response to Decanter24

The tags appended to your post suggest that you have first generation iPad Air. This model of iPad can only be updated to iOS 12.4.9.


Apple ended major update support for iPad Air1 in September 2019 - since then only receiving “point” security updates. An iPad Air1 cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (RAM and CPU) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.


Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad Air1, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS14.


Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn if you do, indeed, possess an iPad Air1.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Trying to install iOS update but it won’t load

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