How to update iPad mini 2 not downloading latest software

The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7. These models do not support iPadOS 13.x or later.

If Apps that you need to use require a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than your iPad can support, your only option is to replace your iPad with a much newer model.

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 15.8.1

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.5

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.3

• 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)