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I tried to download an app on my iPad mini but it wouldn’t install - I got a message saying I needed iOS version 14 or higher to install. When I checked my version under settings, it was 12.5.5 and said it was up to date. Why is this and can I get the iOS version needed on my device?
iPad mini, iOS 12
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.
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.
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.
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.
Technical obsolescence is not restricted to Apple.
Perhaps consider that Android devices frequently have update support for one, two or three years; some never receive a system software update, effectively being obsolete at launch.
Apple typically support a hardware platform for seven years. Your iPad mini2 (?) was originally released to market in 2013 - eight years ago.
Thanks or the reply - it’s pretty much what I expected from Apple. They’re not interested in supporting older devices, they just want to sell you new ones! The same happened with my Apple TV Gen 1. I won’t be buying Apple products again...............
ios version on iPad mini
