My iPad Air (MD786LL/a) is not allowing me to update some common apps, such as ESPN and my Chase Visa account. Both now require iOS 13.0, but mine is 12.5.2. Is there a workaround for loading the updated apps? Or is there a way to upgrade the iOS to 13.0? If not, even though I love my iPads (we own three), I don’t think I want to continue with a product with built-in obsolescence that forces me to buy a new device.
iPad Air, 12
A first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.1. With iOS 12.5.1 installed, you must have one of these three models.
Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.
Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they since continue to received “point” security updates. These devices 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 iPadOS14.
Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.
I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.
A first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.1. With iOS 12.5.1 installed, you must have one of these three models.
Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.
Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they since continue to received “point” security updates. These devices 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 iPadOS14.
Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.
I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.
Your iPad is apparently an older model which cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 12.x.x.x. It does not have the necessary components to run newer software. Technology is always improving and you will find the same issue with the products of other companies.
No obsolescence, just internal hardware that is too old to run more sophistcated software.
Apple fully supported the 2013 iPad Air 1, iPad Mini 2 for a full 6-years.
AND Apple is STILL supporting security updates on these 6 year old devices, to date!
That is why iOS 12 is currently up to iOS 12.5.2. The last full iOS 12 update from Apple was iOS 12.4.4.
Also, still lots of third party apps that support iOS 12, currently, but this will start to dwindle off during this year and into 2022.
So, that iPad has, at least, another year of support from third party app developers.
For your bank software, try using the Website instead of the app using another, more up to date,,third party Web browser.
Look at using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome Web browsers OR one that I use that is a favorite of mine and newcomer to Web browsers called ALook Browser.
It’s a fast, fairly easy to use third party Web browser that was designed toward older iPad models, but still works very well with new modern iPads, as well.
For ESPN, you might try the Website, instead, using another more up to date Web browser and see of the Website will allow you to login with your ESPN login credentials.
Most Internet/Web based apps are just portals to the regular Website, anyways.
Best of Luck to You!
Made in 2013. Far from built in obsolescence.
Too old to run any higher than it is now.
Thanks for the responses. Pretty much what I expected.
iPad Air iOS update problem
