iPad update

You provide no details of your iPad model - or the currently installed version of iOS/iPadOS. This information can be found here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Whether you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5

Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.3.

Available methods by which you can update your iPad are described here:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPad is capable of update, but you are experiencing difficulties, these support pages may be helpful with troubleshooting the issue:

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

If you need more space for an update - Apple Support

ME279C/A model number corresponds to an iPad Mini 2. An iPad Mini to is incapable of running iOS 13 or 14.

iOS 12.5 released a couple of weeks ago is the current version for your model of iPad. It cannot be updated any further at this time.

You have an iPad mini2. An iPad Air1, mini2 or mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.

Apple ended update support for these devices in September 2019. They 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 newer 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, 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 iPadOS13/14.

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

Follow the steps here: link-> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

You may need to connect the iPad to a computer, and you will only be able to install the most current iOS version available for the device. Depending on the exact model of iPad it may iOS 12.5 or 14.3.

iOS 13 is no longer available for any device at this time.

Click here and follow the instructions.

If it offers 12.5, your unit isn't capable of running 13 or above. If you run into a different issue, describe it in this thread.

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