Hello,
My iPad air, SN# D****4 is currently running on iOS 12.5.7 and will NOT update to any newer iOS software updates available. Can you please assist and advise what i can do to update it?
[Edited by Moderator]
iPad Air, iOS 12
With iOS 12.5.7 installed, you will have one of three models of iPad - namely a first generation iPad Air, or iPad mini2/mini3. These models of iPad can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7.
Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they have since received occasional “point” security updates, the most recent being released January 2023. These devices cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (CPU capabilities and available RAM) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.
Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than your ipad is capable of update, you’ll need to replace your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS16/17.
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 15.8.2
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.7
(*) obsolete
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.4.1
With iOS 12.5.7 installed, you will have one of three models of iPad - namely a first generation iPad Air, or iPad mini2/mini3. These models of iPad can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7.
Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they have since received occasional “point” security updates, the most recent being released January 2023. These devices cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (CPU capabilities and available RAM) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.
Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than your ipad is capable of update, you’ll need to replace your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS16/17.
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 15.8.2
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.7
(*) obsolete
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.4.1
Please do not post your serial number here. It will be removed by the moderators shortly.
That appears to be a First Generation iPad. If so, it cannot be updated beyond iOS 12. It lacks the hardware, RAM and CPU to run anything newer.
The original iPad Air, released by Apple 10½ years ago, cannot be updated further.
Hi andro2019, Thanks for contacting the Apple Support Community! Can you please provide the exact model of your iPad Air? Thanks.
How can I update the iOS on my iPad Air?
