Updating my iPad 2nd generation to iPad OS 17

If you continue to experience difficulties, you might be best advised to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.

Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to provide assistance:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

As you have confirmed that you have a second generation iPad Pro 11", it is definitely capable of update to iPadOS 17.

Start by connecting your iPad to its Power Adapter. Whilst connected to the Power Adapter, attempt a forced restart of the iPad:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If iPad still doesn’t turn on, or if it gets stuck during start up, see the Apple Support article If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on or is frozen. Or if your iPad isn’t working correctly after you restart it, see the iPad Support website.

If your iPad is stuck won't restart, it may be necessary to perform a factory restore:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

You’ll 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).

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Use of a PC or Mac computer is unavoidable. If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Is your iPad an iPad 2 from 2011 or an iPad Pro (2nd generation) from 2017? Check the model number for your iPad.

If your iPad is an iPad Pro (2nd generation) from 2017, you can update to iPadOS 17.

If your iPad is an iPad 2 from 2011, you can only update to iOS 9.3.5/6, not any later versions.

In the latter case, your iPad cannot update to iOS 10 or later due to your internal hardware being too old to support it.

Apple ended major software update support for iPad 2 in September 2016 - although Apple received security updates - with the most recent being iOS 9.3.6, released July 2019 for cellular models.

App developers have dropped support for 32-bit devices and those preceding iOS 11/12/13/14 in the apps, making the usability of your iPad limited.

Your iPad is over 12 years old.

All models from 2017 or later (except iPad 5th generation) are capable of supporting iPadOS 17.

You may consider buying a new iPad. Even the entry-level iPad 9 can run the latest iPadOS version, iPadOS 17.0.

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 <- Likely your iPad model
iPad 3            32-bit        March 2012       iOS 9.3.5/6 
iPad 4            32-bit        November 2012    iOS 10.3.3/4
iPad 5            64-bit        March 2017       iPadOS 16.6.1
iPad Air 1        64-bit        November 2013    iOS 12.5.7
iPad Air 2        64-bit        October 2014     iPadOS 15.7.9
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 15.7.9
iPad Pro 12.9 (1) 64-bit        November 2015    iPadOS 16.6.1
iPad Pro 9.7      64-bit        March 2016       iPadOS 16.6.1

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 15.7.9

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.6.1

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17:

• iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later)
• iPad Pro 10.5"
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (6th 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 don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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.