iTunes needs to update to install latest version of iOS but iTunes is already latest version

Question

iTunes needs to update to install latest version of iOS but iTunes is already latest version

I am trying to use iTunes to update my iPad 10 to iPadOS 17.6 but iTunes is already latest version 12.13.2. I’ve tried downloading iTunes from Apple and reinstalling, tried the iTunes check for update but it says already latest version. My windows 11 is latest version. I’ve restarted computer, I have shut off all antivirus and firewall software but still get same i need to first update (already latest version) iTunes response. What can I do?

Posted on Jul 30, 2024 12:23 PM

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Answer 1

the fiend

Level 7

22,932 points

Jul 30, 2024 1:12 PM in response to ClearOceanSky

I believe that the latest (or most recent) version of iOS that can be installed on your iPad is 17.5.1.

I'm not familiar with the iPad, but in basic terms, it's just like an iPod and as a consequence I know that the message that you see on your iPad when trying to look for an update is misleading. It will probably say that you have the latest version of iOS, but what it should say is that you have the most recent version of iOS that can be used on that model and that is not the same thing.

It means that your iPad is not capable of running any version of iOS later than 17.5.1. It is not iTunes that is causing the issue. Instead, the iPad simply isn't powerful enough to run the later versions.

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Answer 2

Jul 30, 2024 2:18 PM in response to the fiend

iPadOS 17.6 dropped today, is the newest version of iOS and installs fine over air on older (iPad and iPhone) devices which have less powerful processors (eg iPad mini 5 and iPhone 11) and will install over air on my iPad 10, which is the newest model of Apple’s regular iPad lineup. My Windows computer is also running the latest version of Windows and I have confirmed that the iTunes installed (12.13.2) is the latest version from Apple. I am trying to update my iPad using iTunes on my PC so I don’t have to delete a bunch of stuff to make room for the over air update. iPadOS is the latest version for the iPad 10 and is both available for and installs on an iPad 10 by over the air installation.

If you check this forum, this issue has been coming up for years with the install of earlier iOS updates (iOS and iPadOS) and I have had the same problem in past years and have never found a way to solve it other than deleting files to install the update over the air. I have never seen any response that provides a solution. I have tried every suggestion listed. Again, iPadOS 17.6 is both the latest version of iPadOS that is both available and will install over air on an iPad 10. Also iTunes 12.13.2 is both the latest iTunes version available and installs on my Windows 11 PC, which in turn is running the latest version of Windows.

I have tried rebooting the PC after turning off all firewall and antivirus protections, I have also uninstalled iTunes and downloaded the latest version from Apple and reinstalled (and again rebooted). iTunes says it is the latest version. None of these suggestions have worked.

Do you have any suggestion on how to fix this error?

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Answer 3

Jul 30, 2024 2:24 PM in response to ClearOceanSky

I mistakenly said I was able to update an iPad mini 5th gen from iPadOS 17.5.1 to iPadOS 17.6, when I meant I was able to update my iPad mini 6th gen. I have also updated an iPhone 11 from iOS 17.5.1 to 17.6, and my iPad 10 already has iPadOS 17.5.1 and will update over air to iPadOS 17.6 but not thru iTunes on a fully updated Windows 11 PC.

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Answer 4

the fiend

Level 7

22,932 points

Jul 30, 2024 4:18 PM in response to ClearOceanSky

I suggest then that you give it a couple of days and then try again.

It's not uncommon for the availability of an update to be staggered in order to prevent Apple's server being overwhelmed. So Apple might stagger release by region, by product or even by whether you're downloading directly or through iTunes. Try again tomorrow or the day after and see whether it's possible at that time.

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Answer 5

Jul 30, 2024 4:34 PM in response to the fiend

The iPadOS update is available and I’ve had no problem downloading it to other devices. My IPad says it is available. Do you think there actually might be a new version of iTunes that Apple has not released yet but which the iTunes Windows app knows exists? Seems strange if so because iTunes Windows app also says I have latest version.

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Answer 6

Jul 30, 2024 4:36 PM in response to ClearOceanSky

I’ll keep trying over the next few days. In the past waiting has not helped but who knows.

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