My iPad will only update to 12.5.5
I see we have a software update for Mac iPhones and iPads . I have an older iPad that will only update to software version 12.5.5. What are the vulnerabilities and risks?
iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.
I see we have a software update for Mac iPhones and iPads . I have an older iPad that will only update to software version 12.5.5. What are the vulnerabilities and risks?
iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi
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 continued to receive occasional “point” security updates until 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 capabilities and available 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.
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 continued to receive occasional “point” security updates until 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 capabilities and available 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.
Your device is too old to update. Over time there may be some risks associated with using older software but it's also the case that over time fewer and fewer apps support the old software.
Thank you ever so much. This was very helpful. I appreciate your reaching out to me.
You are very welcome.
My iPad will only update to 12.5.5