My iPad Air says that it’s up to date but it’s only 12.4 iOS. How do I update it to 13 iOS? Can’t download Netflix unless I have the 13 iOS version. Help!
Sorry, not possible.
A first generation iPad Air can only be updated to iOS 12.4.9.
Apple ended major update support for iPad Air1 in September 2019. 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 (CPU and RAM) for new versions of iOS/iPadOS.
Some App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions).
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, such as Netflix, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS13/14.
I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.
Sorry, not possible.
A first generation iPad Air can only be updated to iOS 12.4.9.
Apple ended major update support for iPad Air1 in September 2019. 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 (CPU and RAM) for new versions of iOS/iPadOS.
Some App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions).
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, such as Netflix, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS13/14.
I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.
Welcome, chi0202, to Apple Support Communities!
The original iPad Air “tops out” at iOS 12.4.9.
Once an iPad has reached the highest iOS/iPadOS it is capable of running, it can no longer be upgraded.
So what do I do? Is there any way to update it manually? Thanks.
Thanks for your detailed response! Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m sorry, chi90, but iOS 12.4.9 is the furthest you or anyone can upgrade an original iPad Air.
iOS 13 and above simply requires hardware that the original iPad Air doesn’t have.
Fortunately, iOS 12 Apps are still supported.
Unfortunately, I don’t know if an iOS 12 compatible Netflix is available. (Your question suggest you found that there wasn’t a version of Netflix that supports that iOS version.)
My original iPad Retina (iPad 3rd gen) wouldn’t go beyond iOS 9.3.6. So, I know how this goes.
A 2013 iPad Air 1st gen is an over 7-year old device!
Your iPad is too old, now.
Sorry.
If you need/want updated apps, then you need to seriously consider a new iPad model OR a “newer” , used iPad model capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.
There are plenty of newer, older iPad models that can run the recent versions of the current iPadOS 14.
Sorry & Best of Luck to You!
My iPad Air says that my iPad is up to date. But it’s only 12.4 iOS. How do I update it to 13 iOS? Netflix can only be downloaded with 13 ios version. Help!
