Why can’t I update my iPad? FIX IT PLS MY APPS DONT WORK

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

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)

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

You don't say what iPad you have. That being said, you probably can't update because you have an iPad that is outdated and cannot update because the hardware will not support what the updated OS needs to operate.

Software gets more demanding as all these updates keep coming out, to support the features that people want, hardware has to update with the software. While the hardware can support updates for a while, there is no guarantee as to how long it will support updates, as it's really going to depend on what the hardware can handle.

If you want to update your OS and get the newest features and be able to run the newest apps, you're going to have to make sure that the hardware in your iPad is capable of handling the OS and it's features. As the OS updates, the app developers will update their apps to be compatible with the new versions of the OS and the features that they support. When the support for the app can no longer be supported by the older OS then you're going to have to update the OS.

If you hardware can no longer support the new OS, then your iPad is no longer going to update beyond what it can support. If you go to do the update and you get the message that your iPad is up to date and you know there is versions higher than what you have installed, then your iPad has reached the point where it will not update any further because the hardware cannot support it.

Unfortunately you're going to have to get an iPad that is newer and can support the version of the OS that you are looking to support.

these are the ipads which support ipadOS 17 iPad models compatible with iPadOS 17 - Apple Support

this is how you update Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

The reason why it won’t work is because, you have to go to the apple store to get it fixed.

[Edited by Moderator]