Downloading Cricut design center to iPad

Gormel2017 Said:

"Downloading Cricut design center to iPad: I have an iPad for my Cricut design center Design center needs updated but my iPad says “your software is up to date ios 12.5.5 The update needs to be ios 14.5 or newer How do I update when my iPad says it is ??"

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For reference...

Updating an iPad:

By using a compatible device, and reliable connection.

I. Start Here: If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t Update - Apple Support

II. 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 15.5 - Apple Support

III. If compatible...

Use of a Computer to Update:

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

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 a recent version of iOS than your iPad is capable of support, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS15. 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 clarity as to your available options - and the fundamental limitations of your iPad.