I need help updating my iPad if possible!

Sageiscool Said:

"I need help updating my iPad if possible!: I have an iPad that is IOS 10.3.3. However, when I want to download apps it refuses me and said I need iOS 14. So I tried to software update it, however for some reason it doesn't want to update. It keeps saying it is up to date. But it isn't? Is it even possible for me to update my iPad, or find a way to switch it so I can only download apps that I'm allowed to use that doesn't require iOS 14?"

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Wha't the model? If is cannot update, the likely it is just not compatible. Read the following...

Updating an iPad:

Do so 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

If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.

Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete.

App Developers have also dropped all support for 32-bit devices and most for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.

If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements than your iPad is capable of support, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 supports current iPadOS 15 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.

I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the fundamental limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.