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.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mini iPad 5th Generation and iPadOS 16

I look online and find this list of iPads which are no longer supported/can update to iPadOS16:

iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi.

iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.

iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)

iPad [original]

iPad 3G.

iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi.

iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.

iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)


I have a Mini iPad 5th Generation but when I go to Settings > Software Update iPadOS 16 is not offered and instead I see iPadOS15.7' iPadOS is up to date.


What gives???

Posted on Sep 20, 2022 9:20 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 20, 2022 9:24 AM

Unlike iOS16 for iPhone, released 12th September (iOS 16.0.1 subsequently released 16th September), iPadOS16 is not due for release until sometime in October.  For reasons known only to Apple, release dates for iOS for iPhone and iPadOS for iPad have been deliberately staggered.


However, iPadOS 15.7 was also released 12th September - incorporating essential security updates.

About the security content of iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7 - Apple Support


While iOS16 is available for iPhone, iPhone owners have the option to just install iOS15.7 at this time.


More information about the forthcoming iPadOS16 can be found here:

iPadOS 16 Preview - Apple


When iPadOS16 is released, it will be available for these models of iPad:

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 20, 2022 9:24 AM in response to Room101A

Unlike iOS16 for iPhone, released 12th September (iOS 16.0.1 subsequently released 16th September), iPadOS16 is not due for release until sometime in October.  For reasons known only to Apple, release dates for iOS for iPhone and iPadOS for iPad have been deliberately staggered.


However, iPadOS 15.7 was also released 12th September - incorporating essential security updates.

About the security content of iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7 - Apple Support


While iOS16 is available for iPhone, iPhone owners have the option to just install iOS15.7 at this time.


More information about the forthcoming iPadOS16 can be found here:

iPadOS 16 Preview - Apple


When iPadOS16 is released, it will be available for these models of iPad:

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


Mini iPad 5th Generation and iPadOS 16

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.