My iPad mini runs 12.5.5 which I understand is the highest OS available for this device. However presumably because of this I can’t update or download apps such as eBay or trainline. Is there a solution for this?
iPad mini, iOS 12
There is one last thing you can try/attempt, if you need to recover older versions of apps, for old or older, aging iOS devices.
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.
There is one last thing you can try/attempt, if you need to recover older versions of apps, for old or older, aging iOS devices.
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.
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 releases of 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, 10.5 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 ANY expandable storage.
Sorry & Best of Luck to You!
If you decide to go down the path of purchasing used, secondhand Apple devices, here is how to avoid purchasing an Apple iOS/iPadOS device with user activation lock, in the future.
If you purchase any iPad, or any Apple iOS device, for that matter, used/second hand, online, or even in-person, make sure this iPad does NOT have user activation lock and has been properly reset for sale.
A properly reset for sale iPad should initially power up to an animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen.
DO NOT take the iPad seller's word that this iPad is user activation lock free!
We have seen plenty of used iOS device purchasers get scammed.
User Activation Lock can never be bypasss, circumvented or worked around IF there is no correct previous/original user information to be able to do so.
Apple doesn't get involved with ANY user activation locked, used/second-hand sold devices, either.
So, buyer beware!
If purchasing a used device in-person, power the iPad ON
If the iPad DOES NOT display the initial animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, then pass on purchasing this iPad.
If the iPad powers up to any other screen, then forget purchasing this iPad.
You cannot trust that the seller actually has the correct needed info to properly reset the iPad back to factory settings right then and there before the actual purchase and exchange of money for the iPad, in question.
Pass on the device!
If you are purchasing this used iPad online ask the seller to provide multiple images, either online or be sent to you via email, showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen of the interested in purchasing iPad model.
Even better, ask for a short video be sent to you showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, in action and in its entirety, posted to the online ad or emailed to you.
If the online iPad seller refuses any of these requests, pass on the iPad. DO NOT buy!
Good Luck to You!
Ebay for example needs iOS 13 or higher.
The only solution is buying a new(er) iPad.
Updating apps on iPad mini using 12.5.5
