Can I update my iPad Air from iOS 12.5.7 to iOS 15.0?

Can I update my iPad Air from iOS 12.5.7 to iOS 15.0?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 5:01 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 12, 2024 3:12 AM

Expanding upon stedman1’s comments...


The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 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 need to use Apps that require a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than you iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS 16/17.


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

  • 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)



4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 12, 2024 3:12 AM in response to ElppaBaby1958

Expanding upon stedman1’s comments...


The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 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 need to use Apps that require a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than you iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS 16/17.


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

  • 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)



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Can I update my iPad Air from iOS 12.5.7 to iOS 15.0?

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