Can I set up my iPad mini in 2023
I just got gifted an iPad mini the model A1432 and I am trying to set it up but I can’t get past the internet connection. Is it even posible to set it up in 2023 being such an old model?
iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 16
Question marked as
You have a first generation iPad mini (a.k.a., iPad mini1). 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 need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available from the Apple App Store - 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.
Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform your current iPad - supports iPadOS 17 - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.
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 15.8
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.2
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.1
- 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)