I can’t update to IOS 13.0 on my iPad Air

The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.4.

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 released just a few weeks go. 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 fundamental limitations of your existing iPad.

If your bank gives the option of using a web browser, access it in Safari or check the App Store for alternate ones. Otherwise, you'll need a newer unit.

Apple couldn't get 13 to work at a reasonable speed if at all on models with less than 2GB RAM.

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Contributors within the Apple Support Communities are all end-users - just like you. We neither work for nor represent Apple.

Whilst we cannot provide a “fix” for this limitation, insofar as is possible, we certainly try to help others with technical issues and share knowledge…

Apple ended major update support for the Air1 in September 2019 - as the CPU and internal hardware are too old and lack sufficient capabilities to run more recent versions of the Operating System. Computers, sooner or later, all become obsolete. Whilst the iPad Air1 is still supported by Apple, albeit not for update to more recent major versions of iOS/iPadOS, your iPad is certainly in its “twilight” period of support.

Didn't you read the answers you got?

Apple won't fix anything.

Accept that an iPad (or iPhone) doesn't get updates for ever.

In general Apple supports a device for about 5 years (and that's pretty long).

Please design code test and fabricate a device and software to plug in to my ear jack on my iPad Air which will allow me to update and use my iPad Air with iPadOS or IOS 13.0 and later. I spent over a thousand dollars for my iPad Air and can't afford a new version of iPad at this time.

signed Eric of rumplestiltskin1

If it's a first generation model, because it doesn't have enough RAM. Otherwise, because Apple is no longer signing that version; compatible units can only be updated directly to 14.7.1.

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