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Update my iPad

Need to update my iPad

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Jun 11, 2023 7:41 PM

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Need to update my iPad to iOS 14.01

Posted on Jun 11, 2023 7:41 PM

4 replies

Jun 12, 2023 4:37 AM in response to Tleeflex59

The tags appended to your iPad suggest that you have an iPad Air with iOS12 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 15.7.6


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.5

  • 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.



AppleID


If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated Password, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com


To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:

  • Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
  • Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
  • Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID


More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support



Jun 12, 2023 1:06 PM in response to Tleeflex59

Sorry, but iPad Air only updates to iOS 12.5.7. There is no support for iPadOS 13 or later.


From a section of an article called If your iPhone or iPad won't update:


If your device doesn't support new software


If you don't see the option to update to new software like iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 when it becomes available, your device might not support the latest release.

  1. Identify your iPhone or iPad model.
  2. Check whether your iPhone or iPad model is on the list of compatible devices for the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
  3. Update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS that is available to you.

If you have a compatible device but your iPhone or iPad won't update, try the steps below.



Update my iPad

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