16.6 iOS for iPad will not download and install

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 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

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.

You can also try and update your iPad via a pc or Mac instead

Update your iPad using a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or higher, you will use the finder in order to upgrade your iPad. Make sure to Back up your device before starting the upgrade process.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, you will follow the following steps:

1. Open a finder window
2. Connect your device to your Mac via a lighting to usb A or a lightning to usb c cable
3. Select your device in the left sidebar of the finder window
4. click general, then click check for update
5. Click download and update.
6. If asked, enter your iPad passcode

Update your iPad via a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a Windows PC

On macOS Mojave or earlier, or on a windows machine, we won't use the Finder to upgrade your iPadOS

Instead, we will use iTunes. Make sure to Back up your device before doing any update or upgrade to your device.

1. Open iTunes
2. connect your device to the computer with an lightning to usb a or a lightning to usb c cable
3. Click device button in the iTunes toolbar
4. In the summary tab, click check for update
5. Click download and update, follow The on screen instructions
6. If asked, enter your iPad passcode.

It should normally state under the Download and Install button in gray text why it cannot continue.

What does it say there exactly?

Do you have enough storage space?

Do you have enough battery power? or the iPad is plugged in to power?

Do you have a strong Wi-Fi connection?