Can’t update any apps or games running iOS 12.4.1 iPad 5th generation

For maximum compatibility with Apps and App updates, you should first update your iPad from iOS 12.4.1 to the most recent version of iPadOS supported by your iPad - this being iPadOS 14.7.1.

These support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

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

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that your iPad may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. As such, you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

After updating your iPad, you will be able to install current versions of your installed Apps.

Thanks for the detailed response, I appreciate it.

• When going to the App Store, taping your profile picture on the top right and going to the “purchased” section, does the same thing happen?
• Since it is saying that you can download the last compatible version, it could just be a glitch that is preventing the iPad from downloading it.
• Try double clicking the home button and swipe up on the App store app preview. Then try downloading the app again.
• If that does not work, restart the iPad.

Let me know if you need more help.

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that. Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi. Are you signed into your Apple ID? What does the iPad say when you try to update or use an app?

Another thing to consider is that certain apps may no longer support iOS 12. Go to the app with the issue on the app store and scroll down to the “compatibility” section to see the software requirements.

Your iPad is compatible with iPad OS 14 so it is best to update so you can update and install your apps, get new features and security updates.

Your iPad Air 1, iPad Mini 2 or iPad Mini 3 may not be able to upgrade/update beyond any version of iOS 12, currently at iOS 12.5.4.

The 2013 iPad Air 1, iPad Mini 2 and 2014 iPad Mini 3 cannot upgrade beyond any version of iOS 12.

Sorry.

These iPad models have overall internal hardware that is too old, too underpowered and incapable of running all of the new, advanced and internal hardware resource intensive features of iPadOS.

These iPad models will soon be 7 and 8-years old, in 2021.

Sorry.

Third party app support, typically, continues for 2-3 years AFTER Apple ends full support of a subset of their devices.

The last major update to iOS 12 was in 2019, with iOS 12.3.

So, it has been nearly two years after, already and third party app support is already on a downward trend.

Look for many more third party apps dropping support for all iOS 12 supported devices as another year progresses.

Sorry.

There is one last thing you can try/attempt, if you need older versions of apps.

If you own another much newer iOS device that can run iOS/iPadOS 13 and later, you can install the most recent version app/s onto that more recent iOS device.

Then go back to your older iPad, open the iOS App Store, go to the Purchases section of the store app, search for the app/s you wish to try and download to that older iPad and see if an older version of the app is allowed to be downloaded/installed to that older iPad.

These newer iOS/iPadOS devices must use your same Apple ID user account and password.

Failing that OR IF NO joy, then there is nothing more to be done.

It's 2021, now.

If you need/want an iPad with an up to date iPadOS with access to current, updated apps, then you really need to seriously consider a purchase of a new iPad model OR a much, MUCH “newer” and less expensive, refurbished or used iPad models, from better known, trusted sources, like other Apple product/device retailers/resellers, some locally or from online, on the Web/Internet, capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.

There are PLENTY of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS.

If you need OR ONLY able to purchase older, less expensive iPad models, look at older IPads from 2014 and later.

All of these older model iPads below CAN run the latest iPadOS versions and the up and coming iPadOS 15.

2014, 9,7 inch screen iPad Air 2 models

2015, 7.9 inch screen iPad Mini 4 models

2015-2017, 12.9 inch screen iPad Pro models. ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2016, 9.7 inch screen iPad Pro models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2017, 9.7 inch screen iPad 5th gen models

2018, 9.7 inch screen iPad 6th gen models (1st gen Pencil support )

2019, 10.2 inch screen iPad 7th gen models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2020, 10.2 inch screen iPad 8th gen models. ( 1st gen Pencil support )

Get the largest internal data storage model you can afford as NO Apple iOS device has expandable storage.

I am sorry that you had to learn all of this, but this does not change any of the facts regarding these older iOS devices.

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

The original poster said he/she has an iPad 5th gen which is compatible with iPad OS 14 but also said “I’m trying to avoid upgrading to iPados 14.”

“gdytko” said “I’m trying to avoid upgrading to iPados 14.”

I added my comments in case the Original Poster was mistaken about their iPad model.

Many users that post here do not usually know which year and model iPad they own.

Ok thats fine 👍