Unable to install zoom app on my iPad with iOS 12.5 version

The available Zoom App requires iOS/iPadOS 13 or later.

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 want or need to access to Apps requiring a more recent version of iPadOS than your iPad is capable, your only option is to replace your iPad with a much newer or current model.

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 15.8.3

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.10

iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.4

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.3

• 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)

Hello~ You will need a newer model iPad that can be updated to the appropriate higher version of iPadOS to download Zoom.

Buy iPad - Apple

If you choose to purchase a refurbished iPad…

Refurbished iPad Deals - Apple

If you consider buying a used iPad from an individual…

***The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

*** This contains a treasure trove of useful information.

~Katana-San~

elainefromrancho mirage wrote:

I completely understand and am aware of that. It's a waste, though, in my opinion, that you end up with a device -- a perfectly good device -- that you can no longer use. I can watch a couple streaming channels still, and it looks like I can still read my Kindle books on it. So that's a plus. I do have two other iPads because of this reason.



I have always had an iPhone. Apple seems to update a lot more, and with that, you have to buy new devices, and your older devices are in perfect condition, but can no longer access a lot of apps. I have Kindle Fires that are as old as this older iPad, and I can still use the KF for everything.

Apple typically provides update support for five to seven years from initial release - latter years being confined to occasional "point" security updates for emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The first generation iPad Air was released in 2013 - and is now approaching 12 years old. This iPad is considered obsolete.

Many mainstream App Developers often only support the current and perhaps one or two prior major versions of iOS/iPadOS. When an App Developer limits support to specific OS versions, this is a decision over which Apple has no influence whatsoever.

For App Developers, maintaining support for older versions can introduce significant cost overhead - eventually becoming commercially inviable. As Operating Systems evolve over time, Apps must be similarly developed and adapted.

Hello once more~ It’s not that Apple “does” this but that technology moves forward now at an accelerated rate. App developers update their apps and the old technology is left behind. Such is life…some examples …the telephone and the automobile…it happens. You’re welcome and take care.

~Katana-San~

I completely understand and am aware of that. It's a waste, though, in my opinion, that you end up with a device -- a perfectly good device -- that you can no longer use. I can watch a couple streaming channels still, and it looks like I can still read my Kindle books on it. So that's a plus. I do have two other iPads because of this reason.

I have always had an iPhone. Apple seems to update a lot more, and with that, you have to buy new devices, and your older devices are in perfect condition, but can no longer access a lot of apps. I have Kindle Fires that are as old as this older iPad, and I can still use the KF for everything.

Thanks again.

You take care. I'm not arguing; I'm just stating my opinion.

Katana-San, Thanks for your info. I was using my older iPad 12.5.7 for my benefit only on a Zoom call. I do have two other iPads that it works on, but it is sad that Apple does that to us.

Thank you. I'm 73. I've seen a lot of change over the years. LOL

You take care.

Hello again ~ I do hope to run into you again on this forum …it’s been a pleasure.

~Katana-San~

Awww, thank you. You as well. Have a great rest of your evening.