How can I update my iPad Air 2 beyond it's apparent IOS limit (12.5.5)?

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How can I update my iPad Air 2 beyond it's apparent IOS limit (12.5.5)?

1) cKuan said in a post in ?2019) that "there would be an update in September that would enable iPad Air 2 devices to upgrade IOS beyond 12.5.5" - has there been such an update? -- my iPad Air 2 is still stuck on 12.5.5 ... It is set to auto update. It was bought in July 2014. I love it BUT

2) now, all of a sudden, as from 2nd February 2022 I am getting (in both Firefox and Safari, on the iPad) the error message "a problem repeatedly occurred (etc etc)" and the browser attempts are nearly all unsuccessful (very irritating)

3) my device details are -- iPad Air IOS version 12.5.5 serial number - I have this but of course I don't want to put it to the public domain

3) so my questions, simply, are this -

1. 1. is there a fix or workaround for this problem?
  2. how can I update my iPad Air 2 to (say) IOS 13 or 14 or whatever?
  3. would updating via 2 above actually fix the problem?
  4. did Apple ever, in fact, release some "you beaut" upgrade in September (or whenever) that does/did enable devices stuck on IOS 12.5.5 to somehow miraculously then be able to upgrade to higher IOS versions?
  5. (lastly) what bastardry triggered the sudden disfunctionality on MY iPad (and who do I sue? - only joking ....) EdK02

iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi

Posted on Feb 3, 2022 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Axel Foley

Level 10

150,966 points

Feb 3, 2022 8:41 PM in response to EdK02

The iPad Air 2nd generation can be updated to iPadOS version 15. You do not have to do anything special. Apple automatically supports iPadOS 15 on that iPad model.

The iPad Air (1st generation) can ONLY be updated up to iOS version 12. Nothing further.

Confirm that you have an iPad Air 2 by opening Settings ➡️ General ➡️ About ➡️ Model Name: Which iPad Model is stated here? Ensure that 2nd Generation is spelled out in the description.

If it is an iPad Air 2, then my question to you is what have you done to update your iPad and which error do you see on the screen when you attempt to update your iPad? Read below for an updating method using a Wi-Fi Network:

Make sure that your iPad is setup to meet the following requirements before you attempt to update the iOS version over a Wi-Fi Network. Open Settings ➡️ General ➡️ Software Upate: If there is an update available for your iPad then it will be listed here. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.

Your iPad must have a fast Wi-Fi connection; you cannot update over cellular data or a cellular hotspot
Ensure that you do not have a beta profile installed from a previous version
The iPad can not be in Low Power mode
The battery state of charge must be above 50%
Your iPad must have at least 6GB or more free storage space
Your iPad cannot be connected through VPN
You should leave the iPad plugged in until it finishes updating, both to assure that it remains above 50% and to keep Wi-Fi enabled (Wi-Fi turns off when the phone sleeps if not connected to power).

Axel F.

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How can I update my iPad Air 2 beyond it's apparent IOS limit (12.5.5)?

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