Updating your iPad

Gruff2435 wrote:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update > and press Install and Update.

Ignore my first reply. I just looked up compatible devices for iOS 10, and the least is iPad Mini 2. Sorry, but your device is not compatible.

Your first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).

Apple ended update support for iPad mini1 in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; iPad mini1 is obsolete.

You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad if you should you ever need reset or restore your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.

Of current models, even the entry-level iPad8 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.

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

I hate to always be the bearer of bad news, but here it goes, anyways.

Being 2020 ( soon to be 2021 ) it really doesn't matter if your old 2012 iPad Mini 1 could upgrade to iOS 10 or not!

Apple ended support for all over 8 and 9-year old iOS devices over 4 years, ago.

Virtually ALL thitd party iOS app developers have ended/abandoned/stopped app supoort for all iOS 9 and 10 devices, at least 2 years ago.

There are, virtually, no more third party apps from the Apple iOS App Store, any longer!

That over 8-year old iPad is too old now.

Sorry.

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

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

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

Go to Settings > General > Software Update > and press Install and Update.