IOS 13 update

The App Developer has likely updated their App for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS - and may have withdrawn the older App-version, supported by your iPad, from the App Store.

To repeat an earlier point made, some App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions.

Some older older App versions may still be available. A quirk of the App Store is that older App versions, supporting older models of iPad, may not be downloadable unless the current App version has been “purchased” by a device that supports the current version. Once purchased, the older App version (compatible with an older iPad) might be accessible.

Taken at face value alone, you question might suggest that you have an iPad with iOS 12.x (perhaps iOS 12.5.4) currently installed - and is therefore one of three models: iPad Air1, iPad mini2 or mini3.

The first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.4.

Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they since continue to receive “point” security updates - the most recent being released just a few weeks ago. 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 and RAM) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.

Some App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions). 

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your 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.

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:

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)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.4

Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.7.1

If your iPad is capable of being updated 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 your iPad may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. As such, you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) 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

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 it's an iPad 4, third generation iPad mini, first generation iPad Air, or earlier model, because it doesn't have enough RAM; this isn't upgradable. Otherwise, because it either has a beta profile installed or can't properly communicate with Apple's servers.

Models capable of 13 can only be updated directly to 14.7.1.

(202511)

If the current version of it isn't compatible with your model, you'll need to download it to a newer unit on the same Apple ID first; this only works if the developer has left the previous one available.

(202512)

You are very welcome.