Update to iOS 15

Ahhwell Said:

"Update to iOS 15: Does anyone know why my iPad Air is not updating? It’s on software version 12.5.5 and saying it’s up to date"

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For Reference...

How to Update an iPad:

By using a compatible device, and reliable connection.

Verify Compatibility:

1. Go to: Settings
2. Tap: General
3. Tap: About
4. View: the model shown

Then, see if the device is shown here:

Go here iPad Models Compatible with iPadOS 15.2 - Apple Support

If compatible...

Use of a Computer to Update:

My User Tip: Making Use of a Computer for Updating an iOS Device - User Tip

See why in this compatibility chart:

Insofar as your iPad is capable, its system software is up to date. 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 occasional “point” security updates - the most recent being released late last year. 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 iPadOS15.

Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.

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