Q: trying to update to ios 9.3. Returns message of "unable to verify update" ios 9.3 failed verification because you are no longer connected to the internet

Apple has pulled the iOS 9.3 update for older devices (iPad Airs and previous, iPhone 5s and previous) due to problems with Activation. See these articles for details and possible workarounds.

http://www.imore.com/apple-working-ios-93-fix-older-iphone-ipad

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206203

A new build for the iPad 2 is now available that does not require the Activation step. A fix for the other devices is not yet available.

See this:  If you can’t activate your iPad 2 (GSM model) after you update to iOS 9.3 - Apple Support

Yes, if your iPad Mini is working fine I would certainly ignore the update for a while until this is sorted out. I suggest checking back with this forum or the web for the status.

You will not be able to update a Mini until Apple issues a new build, they have stopped the update.

I have the iPhone 5s, and I'm getting the same message. Does this mean I won't be able to get any more IOS updates ever? I mean, come on, the iPhone 5s isn't that old. Seems a bit off. Is Apple trying to get people to upgrade or something. My phone is one year old and still under warranty. Can someone please tell me what the story is here? Thanks

You might want to read the thread from the beginning. Your question was answered in the second post.

http://osxdaily.com/2016/03/25/troubleshooting-ios-9-3-update-problems/

Oh, thanks. I thought that was a signature so skipped over it. All I saw was "Apple has pulled the iOS 9.3 update for older devices (iPad Airs and previous, iPhone 5s and previous)" and I panicked

I get the same message on updating to 9.3.2 for a new iPad. The update appears to be downloaded but will not verify since there is no net connection. There is a good net connection. Tried rebooting, etc. Hmmm ...