Old iPad won’t upgrade past 16.7

Presumably you have an iPad5, or a first generation iPad Pro 9.7"/12.9" - the last available update being iPadOS 16.7.10.

While Apple has continued to release occasional point security updates for major security issues for these models, all are effectively within their twilight of software support. When security updates cease, as emerging security vulnerabilities are not patched, these devices become increasingly vulnerable to exploit.

If you possess one of these models, you perhaps be well advised to consider replacing with a much newer model sooner rather than later. Be aware that for your own safely, some websites and online services - in particular financial and banking - may no longer permit use of devices that no longer receive security updates.

For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by all 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" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.10

iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.2

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.1.1

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)