iPad Air with iOS 12.5.6

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 15.7.8

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.6

• 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 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

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - 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.

Here are a few suggestions to help update your wife's iPad Air past iOS 12.5.6:

- Check that the iPad Air meets the minimum requirements to update to a newer iOS version. The original iPad Air models support up to iOS 12.5.5. You'll need an iPad Air 2 or newer to update to anything past iOS 12.

- Make sure the iPad has enough free storage space to download and install the iOS update. Deleting unused apps and media can free up space.

- Update the iPad using iTunes on a computer instead of over-the-air. Connect the iPad to a computer with the latest iTunes version and check for updates.

- If prompted, install any pending iOS updates first before moving to a newer major version. Go through each minor 12.x update before installing iOS 13 or higher.

- As a last resort, you may need to erase and restore the iPad to factory settings using a computer. This removes any bugs or issues preventing an update.

- If the iPad Air truly is the original model from 2014, it may not be able to update past 12.5.6 because of hardware limitations. The oldest models do not support newer iOS versions.

I hope these tips help update your wife's iPad! Let me know if you have any other questions.