Why can’t I get the IOS 13 update
I haven’t been using my device and can’t download new apps without IOS13 but my device won’t let me update to IOS 13
iPad mini, iOS 12
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Whether or not 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. You can find this information here:
Settings > General > About
Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.
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 12.5.4
Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.6
A first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.4. You will 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 receive “point” security updates - the most recent being just a few weeks ago. 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.
