My iPad is not updating

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 8th September 2026, 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 12.5.8

iPad Air2*, iPad mini4* - iPadOS 15.8.8

iPad5*, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.16

iPad6, iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation*, iPad Pro 10.5" - iPadOS 17.7.11

iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7.10

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 26.6.2

• iPad Pro 13" (M4/M5)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4/M5)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2/M3/M4)
• iPad (8th generation and later + A16)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later + A17 Pro)

NB: iPadOS 27, when released later this month, will drop support for the following models of iPad:

• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation)
• iPad (8th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)

If your iPad is not capable of update to a more recent version of iPadOS than is currently installed, should you wish to use Apps or services that require a higher version than your iPad is capable, your only option is to replace your iPad with a much newer or current model iPad.

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. If enabled, ensure that Low Power Mode is turned OFF.

rapheal103 wrote:

my ipad is not updated and is showing up to date

That is to be expected. Your tag line says that you have an iPad Air 2 running iPadOS 15. For the iPad Air 2, which ran iOS 8.1 when Apple first released it in October 2014 (almost twelve years ago), iPadOS 15 is the end of the line.

About iPadOS 15 Updates - Apple Support

If your iPad Air 2 is running the latest release of iPadOS 15 currently available, Software Update will tell you that it is up to date. That means that it is as up to date as it can be. It will not offer to update to iPadOS 16, 17, 18, 26, or 27.

Sorry, disabling a VPN or even contacting Apple Support directly as previously advised is not going to solve your problem. The correct information has already been supplied showing that the iPad Air 2 is not capable of updating any further, that is why the screen shows it is up to date.

Just wanted to save you some time, so you were not thinking there was still a way to get that iPad updated. Sometimes users just have a standard form response saved to post with similar situations and they are not exactly one size fits all for every situation.

Thank you for sharing your concerns. 😉

Try the following steps:

• Disable any VPN connections and restart your iPad or tell Siri: "Restart".
• Learn how to update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS
• Learn what to do if your iPad won’t update.

NOTE: According to Apple: After a software update is installed for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS and visionOS, it cannot be downgraded to the previous version.

Need more help?

• United States: 1-800-APLCARE.
• Contact Support.
• iPhone Support.
• iPhone User Guide.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

the last version the ipad air 2 supports is Current: iPadOS 15.8.8, released May 11, 2026[1]

from

iPad Air 2 - Wikipedia