Can't update iPad through iTunes? Help!

Grace_Faith Said:

"Can't update iPad through iTunes? Help!: My iPad is really out-of-date, so much so that the software update says I have to connect the iPad to iTunes on a computer in order to update to the latest software. [...]Are there any other suggestions that might make the update successful?"

-------

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

OK, indeed you do have an iPad Air First Generation, which cannot run an iOS version greater than 12.5.5.

Check the "Make sure that your device can communicate with Apple servers" section here.

iOS update and restore errors - Apple Support

Grace_Faith wrote:

I went to the "iOS update and restore errors - Apple Support" link you suggested. Unfortunately, there wasn't really any info that could help.

Actually, there is info there that can help.

The last suggestion there is to contact Apple Support.

Well, we now know part of the story. You told us your iTunes version, and iPad iOS version. Still unknown:

• Windows version
• iPad Model type
• iPad Model generation (check Settings > General > About > Model Number)

Also, have you seen an iTunes message saying something like "A software update is required ..."?

Grace_Faith wrote:

The latest version of iTunes is installed.

We cannot verify this as you have given us no version numbers of iTunes, iPadOS, or Windows.

Actually, the latest version of iTunes is 12.12.4.1. Is that what you have? It requires a reasonably current Windows version (10 or later).

And, of course, we don't know which iPad model and vintage you have. Your profile suggests you have an iPad Air. The original iPad Air, released by Apple in 2013, cannot run an iPadOS version greater than 12.5.5.

I said your iPad “cannot run an iOS version greater than 12.5.5.”

Hopefully you may update to 12.5.5. But please realize this iOS version is long outdated, as the current version is 15.5.