How do I update my iPad to the latest iOS verion?

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 15.8.3

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.10

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.6.1

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Pro 10.5"
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2)
• 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.

Here are the general instructions:

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Without knowing which iPad you have and what its current iOS is, I cannot offer much more information. Selecting Settings > General > Software Update will tell you if your iPad is eligible for any updates.

hamuzah256 wrote:

What can u help me to update and what u said it’s true I cannot install some apps like what’s app Facebook and others

If you have one of those iPads, you cannot update it to iPadOS 13 or later. There is nothing that I can do to help you update it. It will forever be stuck on iOS 12 – and it's unlikely that any of the third-party app developers who have decided to stop supporting iOS 12 will change their minds and start supporting it again.

If you want to run a recent version of iPadOS, you will need to buy a new or newer iPad. I would suggest getting one that will be able to run iPadOS 18 when it comes out. See the list near the end of:

iPadOS 18 Preview - Apple

If you are tempted to buy a used iPad to "save money", I would suggest reading

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community

so that you know what to look for to avoid buying an Activation Locked and possibly stolen "brick."

hamuzah256 wrote:

iPad 12.5.7

Is your iPad an original iPad Air, an iPad mini 2, or an iPad mini 3? If so, iOS 12 is the end of the line. Those iPads cannot update to iPadOS 13 or later.