Can I upgrade my iPad Air 1st Gen from iOS 12.5.7 to iOS 15?

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.

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 15.7.4

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.4

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

If you have a more recent iPad 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 Windows 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.

The model A1475 indicates you have a first generation iPad Air.

Your iPad cannot update to iPadOS 13 or later due to your internal hardware being too old to support it.

Apple ended major software update support for these iPads in September 2019 - although it continues to receive security updates - with the most recent being iOS 12.5.7, released January 2023.

Many app developers have dropped support for iOS 12.x in its apps, often because the APIs in its apps have updated to the most recent version, making this iOS version not compatible.

The first generation iPad Air is almost a decade old.

All models from 2015 or later (except iPad mini 4) are capable of supporting iPadOS 16.

You may consider buying a new iPad. Even the entry-level iPad 9 can run the latest iPadOS version, iPadOS 16.4.

Here is a list of unsupported iPads with max iPadOS supported:

Model            Architecture  Introduced       Max supported iPadOS
iPad 1           32-bit        April 2010       iOS 5.1.1
iPad 2           32-bit        March 2011       iOS 9.3.5/6
iPad 3           32-bit        March 2012       iOS 9.3.5/6
iPad 4           32-bit        November 2012    iOS 10.3.3/4
iPad Air 1       64-bit        November 2013    iOS 12.5.7 <- Your iPad model
iPad Air 2       64-bit        October 2014     iPadOS 15.7.4
iPad mini 1      32-bit        November 2012    iOS 9.3.5/6
iPad mini 2      64-bit        November 2013    iOS 12.5.7
iPad mini 3      64-bit        October 2014     iOS 12.5.7
iPad mini 4      64-bit        September 2015   iPadOS 15.7.4

JCB_06 Said:

"iOS update: I have iPad Air A1475 Model can I upgrade from iOS 12.5.7 to iOS 15 and Above few Apps are not supporting iOS 12.5 requires iOS 15 and above."

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Seems it's Time to Upgrade:

If these are must-have apps, then take this as a good reason to upgrade to a much more recent device that is compile with iOS15 or above.