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I have an iPad Air with software 12.5.5 and it says it is up to date. I have at least 2 apps that require Version 13. What do I do?

My software will not upgrade to 13 which some apps require

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Sep 25, 2021 6:49 AM

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Posted on Sep 25, 2021 7:15 AM

The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.5.


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 couple of days 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.

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Sep 25, 2021 7:15 AM in response to Jreynolds448

The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.5.


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 couple of days 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.

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Sep 25, 2021 11:19 AM in response to Jreynolds448

All current iPad models all run the same full iPadOS and all the same apps from the Apple iOS App Store.

All current iPad models all either use the original, 1st or newer 2nd gen Apple Pencil.

( iPad 8th and 9th gen and iPad Mini 5 all use the original, 1st gen Apple Pencil )

( 2018, 2020 and the newest 2021 iPad Pro, 2020 iPad Air 4 and the new 2021 iPad Mini 6 models use the 2nd gen Apple Pencil )



So, iPads are more like cars, now.


You are paying for iPad optional features, now.


Do you want/need larger internal data storage space for data, like music. movies and photos/images and room for other types of data?


Do you need a larger or smaller iPad screen?


Do you/want/need higher color gamut display with Tru-tone room brightness calibration?


Do you need a larger screen with much more pixels that is much brighter, with a high resolution dymanimc ( XDR ) color gamut range?


Do you need/want an iPad model in a variety of colors?


Do you want/need a bonded, laminated display?


Do you want/need faster, more powerful internal CPU?


Do you want/need more internal processing RAM?


Do you want/need better iPad cameras?


Do you want/need better/more iPad speakers?


Do you want/need the improved, 2nd gen Apple Pencil?


Do you want/need to have the new Magic Keyboard portfolio for the 2018/2020 iPad Pro/iPad Air 4 models?



All of these options are what you need to decide if you really need, or not, and to decide to pay for accordingly.

The more iPad features you decide you need, the more you pay.


It all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend on iPads with additional, premium features.


You can now pretty much do everything on any current iPad model, now.

All current iPad models are sufficiently powerful enough, today, to do pretty much any task put to them now.



https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/


Purchase the largest internal data storage capacity iPad model you can afford as no Apple mobile iOS/iPadOS devices have ANY internal expandable storage.



Best of Luck to You!

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Sep 25, 2021 12:41 PM in response to Jreynolds448

Both Pencils charge and pair differently.


The original 1st gen Pencil uses a lighting connector to plug into the bottom of iPads that have a Lighting port and looks kinda kludgey and the Pencil sticks out quite a distance from the bottom of the iPad.

Appearing like the charging design and mechanism wasn’t well thought out. Which it, probably wasn’t.

The 1st gen Pencil is heavier, smooth and more slippery to hold and can roll around easily

You may need to purchase a third party cover that makes the 1st gen Pencil easier to hold/grip and can prevent it from rolling.

Also, unless you purchase a third party cap holder, the lighting connector protective, magnetic cap can be easily lost.

Price for the 1st gen Pencil is less expensive than the 2nd gen Pencil


The 2nd gen Pencil is more expensive, but with compatible iPad models, it charges along the long edge of compatible iPads and does NOT stick out past the bottom of the iPad

It is shorter and lighter and has a matte finish on it for better grip and is flat on one side for charging magnetically along the long side of compatible iPads.

The flat side of the 2nd gen Pencil also acts as an anti-rolling feature.

The 2nd gen Pencil has two touch area buttons to perform different operational features or gestures.

2nd gen Apple Pencil can be engraved IF order from Apple online.

This is NOT possible with the 1st gen Pencil

No Apple Pencils can be engraved in an actual Apple Store location.

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Sep 26, 2021 7:46 AM in response to Jreynolds448

You can, if you wish.

Since you never had the experience to actually use iPadOS 13 or 14, iPadOS 15 maybe not be as jarring to you with all of the new changes, as it has been with those of us who have been using iPadOS for the past couple of years.


Best of Luck to You!


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Sep 26, 2021 7:47 AM in response to Jreynolds448

After any iOS/iPadOS upgrade/update, you should ALWAYS perform a simple hard reset of your Apple mobile device.


For older iPad models with a Home button, do a simple hard reset of your iPad by holding down both the Home and sleep/wake/power button simultaneously until your iPad goes to black and restarts with Apple logo, then release the buttons.


OR


For much newer, larger screen iPad models, without a Home button, try the new simple hard reset procedure for the new 2018/2020/2021 iPad Pros and the 2020 iPad Air 4 models.


1. Press and release the volume up button.


2. Then immediately press and release the volume down button.


3. Then, press and hold the single sleep/wake/power button You will see the Slide to Power off button, but keep on holding down the power button until you see the Apple logo, then let it go.


Once you have performed all the steps, wait for a few seconds and your 2018 iPad Pro will boot up completely to the iPad Pro’s Lock screen.



Best of Luck to You!

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I have an iPad Air with software 12.5.5 and it says it is up to date. I have at least 2 apps that require Version 13. What do I do?

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