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I have an Ipad, second generation. Can i update my ios?

Can i update my second generation Ipad,s IOS?

Posted on Feb 15, 2021 8:52 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 15, 2021 9:01 AM

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 12.5.1


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.


An iPad2 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 iPad2 in September 2016. An iPad2 cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - the iPad2 is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. 32-bit devices are now obsolete.


As you have an older model iPad, you need to understand that compatible Apps for older iPad models are becoming difficult to find; third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13.  All 32-bit Apps have been removed from the Apple App Store. 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 an older iPad.


As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad can support, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad8 supports current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad2.


I hope this information and clarification is helpful in explaining the limitations of your iPad.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 15, 2021 9:01 AM in response to mmargu7585

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 12.5.1


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.


An iPad2 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 iPad2 in September 2016. An iPad2 cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - the iPad2 is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. 32-bit devices are now obsolete.


As you have an older model iPad, you need to understand that compatible Apps for older iPad models are becoming difficult to find; third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13.  All 32-bit Apps have been removed from the Apple App Store. 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 an older iPad.


As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad can support, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad8 supports current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad2.


I hope this information and clarification is helpful in explaining the limitations of your iPad.


I have an Ipad, second generation. Can i update my ios?

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