You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

how can update old ipad mini 2 . only 9.3.5 is the last version

how can update old ipad mini 2 . only 9.3.5 is the last version

iPad mini, iOS 9

Posted on Jun 18, 2020 3:03 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 18, 2020 3:36 PM

You very likely have an iPad mini1 - not an iPad mini2. The model number will provide confirmation (Settings > General > About).


Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 18, 2020 3:36 PM in response to nang161

You very likely have an iPad mini1 - not an iPad mini2. The model number will provide confirmation (Settings > General > About).


Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.

how can update old ipad mini 2 . only 9.3.5 is the last version

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.