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Unable to upgrade my iPad mini to the latest version

Unable to upgrade my iPad mini to the latest version . I had bought this in Oct 2015.






[Image Edited by Moderator to Remove Personal Information]

Posted on Dec 15, 2021 7:08 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 15, 2021 7:19 AM

As illustrated in your screenshot, you have an iPad2, iPad3 or iPad mini1.


iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. Your iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are all obsolete.


You may need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as most developers have dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


I hope this information provides succinct clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 15, 2021 7:19 AM in response to namrata214

As illustrated in your screenshot, you have an iPad2, iPad3 or iPad mini1.


iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. Your iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are all obsolete.


You may need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as most developers have dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


I hope this information provides succinct clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad.


Dec 15, 2021 7:15 AM in response to namrata214

If you have an iPad that you have gone to Settings>General>Software Update, and it says that it is up to date, then your device will not update to a newer iOS. If you go to Settings>General>About>Model Number, then tap on that and look for the A number. It is an A followed by 4 digits, report that information here. It would help understand what version of iPad you have, and someone would be able to explain a little more.

Unable to upgrade my iPad mini to the latest version

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