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How do I update an older ipad's operating system?

I have a slightly older iPad (purchased sometime between 2012 & 2015). I'm currently only able to update to update the operating version to 9.3.5, therefore unable to download most available apps. Can someone provide any potential solutions? Thanks

Posted on May 23, 2020 8:46 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 24, 2020 12:56 AM

You clearly have an iPad2, iPad3 or original iPad mini. These devices cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular).


Apple formally ended update support for these devices in September 2016. None of these models can be updated to iOS 10 or later versions, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS12 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Even the basic current iPad model supports current iPadOS 13.x - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 24, 2020 12:56 AM in response to NDub4

You clearly have an iPad2, iPad3 or original iPad mini. These devices cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular).


Apple formally ended update support for these devices in September 2016. None of these models can be updated to iOS 10 or later versions, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS12 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Even the basic current iPad model supports current iPadOS 13.x - and has hardware specifications that will vastly outperform your old iPad


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating your current options.

May 23, 2020 8:49 PM in response to NDub4

Hello,


If your iPad will not update past 9 then you have either an iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation) or iPad mini (1st generation). These iPad models do not support any system version newer than 9. You cannot update your iPad any further. If you need to use software that requires a newer system software version then you will need to purchase a newer iPad model.

How do I update an older ipad's operating system?

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