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I have multiple iPads (school employee) that will not update passed 10.3.3. Is there anything that can be done?
I'm happy (and capable) to take them apart to update certain components to get these to a higher version if need be.
While Apple have a fantastic education range for applications, it is incredibly frustrating that many of the applications we use are no longer supported/work on the older versions.
Thank you in advance.
If your iPads are currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then they are all iPad4.
Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete. Current iPad models, and associated operating systems, are all 64-bit.
Many App Developers have also dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.
If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace the iPads with a newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 (intended for the education sector) supports current iPadOS 15 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform an iPad4.
I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the fundamental limitations of iPad4 and your available options.
If your iPads are currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then they are all iPad4.
Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete. Current iPad models, and associated operating systems, are all 64-bit.
Many App Developers have also dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.
If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace the iPads with a newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 (intended for the education sector) supports current iPadOS 15 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform an iPad4.
I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the fundamental limitations of iPad4 and your available options.
Thank you so much for your assistance! It's very helpful indeed. :)
My pleasure to assist.
Updating an older iPad
