How do I update my iPad?

The Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.8.2; the Air2 does not support iPadOS16 or later.

For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by all 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 15.8.2

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.6

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.4

• 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)

Please clarify your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iPadOS:

Settings > General > About

Just for subsequent viewers, realize the iPad Air 2 was released by Apple 9½ years ago in the Autumn of 2014. It’s time for a replacement.

MauiMia wrote:

It would be nice if their products didn’t become obsolete! I have zero reason to replace. Literally the only issue right now is it won’t load the Spotlight news.

As for obsolescence, this isn't limited to Apple - but to all technology, in particular computers.

History demonstrates that Apple generally provides full update support for iPad models for five to seven years from model release - this being far longer than many other manufacturers.

Perhaps consider that many Android devices never receive any system software updates - and are effectively obsolete as soon as they reach the marketplace. Others typically receive updates for only two years.

I see that the title of this thread was changed…I know how to update my iPad, the original title referred to Apple Spotlight not loading due to error message.

Apple's Moderators will sometimes change the title of post where they believe it to be helpful. Clearly, they don't always make a change deemed appropriate by the original author. They are, like us, only human.