What is iPad mini version limit

The tags appended to your post suggest that you have an iPad mini with iOS12.x installed. The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7.

Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they continue to receive occasional “point” security updates, the most recent being released January 2023. 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 iPadOS16.

Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.3

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.3.1

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

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Window PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

DiggingmagentalampreyJohn wrote:

Other question is how to change security questions

If you have enabled two-factor (2FA) authentication for your AppleID account, as is perhaps likely, the security questions that were originally set will have been superseded by 2FA. Once 2FA has been enabled, the Security Questions are no longer used - and are wiped from Apple’s systems.

If you have not previously enabled 2FA for your AppleID account, this link provides information about making changes:

Change your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support

because the hardware can't handle it at a reasonable performance speed, even the lowest hardware-wise devices that get updates have tons of users screaming about wanting to be able to downgrade because the performance makes their devices useless.

you can complain to them using

Feedback - iPad - Apple

Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they continue to receive occasional “point” security updates, the most recent being released January 2023.

The iPad mini2/3 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.

The hardware on older devices is not capable of running the newest iOS versions. Apple does, however, offer security updates for older devices.

As I said in my first post, if you want to run a newer iOS aversion, you need to upgrade your device to one that will run the current iOS.

Change your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support

more

apple id change security questions - Google-

you can't change any hardware on ios devices

trade in Apple Trade In - Apple

and use the money to get a new device which support newer ios versions

The iOS version limit on the iPad Mini 2 is 12.5.7. If you want to run a newer iOS you need to purchase a newer iPad.

DiggingmagentalampreyJohn wrote:

How can I install the necessary hardware

The internal hardware of an iPad cannot be modified or changed.