Newsroom Update

The redesigned iPad Air and new iPad Pro with Apple silicon are now available. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

my ipad still stuck on 12.5.4 can you help me

i need help with the newest updates

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 3:53 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2021 3:54 AM

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 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 iPadOS14/15.


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.

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 21, 2021 3:54 AM in response to sashalove1962

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 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 iPadOS14/15.


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.

my ipad still stuck on 12.5.4 can you help me

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.