Where can I find the iMovie 3.0 update for my iPad?

Only the current version of Apple iMovie is available for download. Earlier versions have been withdrawn from the Apple App Store - and can now be (re)downloaded or installed on any devices.

If your iPad cannot be updated to the minimum required iOS/iPadOS version required, you will need to consider replacement with a newer model iPad.

The tags appended to your post suggest that your have an iPad2 with iOS9 installed. The iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).

Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. These models of iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.

You may need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.

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 15.7.5

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.4.1(a)

• 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.

The iPad Air2 is only capable of update to iPadOS 15.7.5. The Air2 does not support iPadOS 16.x.

For information, 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 15.7.5

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.4.1 (a)

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

If you need to have use of iMovie v4.0, you’ll need to replace your iPad with a model capable of running iPadOS 16.x.

Clearly the tags appended to your post, chosen during submission, were incorrect. An iPad2 (with iOS9) and iPad Air2 (with iPadOS 15.7) are somewhat different.

The available version of iMovie is v4.0 - this requiring iPadOS 16.x. As your iPad Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.7.5, you should perform the update, as this is the only way to be sure that you have access to compatible App versions for your iPad. The most recent version also includes essential security updates.

Be aware that Apple often only support (and make available for download) the most recent version of their productivity Apps - and will withdraw older versions upon release of the current version. If a compatible version of an App is not offered for your iPad Air2, you’ll not be able to install an older version on your iPad.