Update ipad2 from software version 15 to 16

Which "ipad2" do you have?

• For iPad 2 variants, iOS 9 is the end of the line.
• For iPad mini 2 variants, iOS 12 is the end of the line.
• For iPad Air 2 variants, iPadOS 15 is the end of the line.
• For second-generation 12.9" iPad Pro variants, iPadOS 17 is the end of the line.
• For second-generation 11" iPad Pro variants, you can update to the latest iPadOS – iPadOS 18.

If you have a second-generation 11" iPad Pro or 12.9" iPad Pro, you can update past iPadOS 16, to the latest version compatible with your iPad. You will not be able to update to iPadOS 16, exactly; as a rule, you can't pick and choose intermediate versions.

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Updating iOS: common issues and solutions - Apple Community

An iPad2 is capable of update to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular) - but is incapable of updated to iOS 10 or later.

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.

As of 10 February 2025, 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 17.7.5

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.3.1

• 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)

If it's an iPad 2 that model was discontinued 11 years ago and if so the last version was 9.x.

As for an updating what happens when you try?