How to update ios on iPad Air (aka iPad Air 1)

That is a 2013, 1st gen iPad Air.

From Apple

“Check your hardware

If you see error 53, use these steps.

If you see one of the errors below, you might have a hardware issue:

• 1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16
• 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 56
• 1002, 1004, 1011, 1012, 1014, 1667, 1669

Here's what to check. Try again after each step:

1. If iTunes is already open, quit and reopen it.
2. Check your third-party security software.
3. Make sure that your USB cable, computer, and network are reliable. Then try twice more to restore your device.
4. Check for outdated or modified software. 

If you still see the error, contact Apple Support.

Check for outdated or modified software

If you see error 1015 or a message that "the required resource can't be found," your device might have unauthorized software modifications (jailbreaking). Or you might be trying to install an earlier version of iOS (downgrading). 

To restore your device to the latest version of software, use recovery mode.

If you still see an error, contact Apple Support.”

Published Date: May 01, 2020

The original “first generation” iPad Air cannot be updated to iPadOS 13.x as it lacks the necessary minimum specification to support the newest version.

Update Support for iPad Air1 ended in September 2019 - the final supported version of iOS being iOS 12.4.7. As such, your description implies that you have already updated to the most recent version of iOS supported by your iPad.

As such, with an iPad Air1 it cannot be updated further. If Apps that you need require iPadOS 13.x, then you have no alternative other than to replace your iPad with a newer model.

Sorry, this is perhaps not the news that you were hoping to hear, but I hope this information is helpful in informing your options.

Your 2013, iPad Air 1 is too far behind in iOS upgrades/updates.

If you have access to a full computer, like a Mac or Windows PC, try either using the Finder on a Mac that has the newest macOS Catalina installed OR with an older Mac with an older Mac OS, download and install the latest iTunes version ( or latest iTunes for Windows PC ), make sure the Mac or Windows PC is connected to the Internet, connect your iPad by the USB charge cable to the computer and let the iTunes application upgrade/update that 2013 iPad Air model, using the iTunes Software Update feature, to its current, maximum iOS of iOS 12.4.7.

Best of Luck to You!

Are you sure you have an iPad Air?

What is the “A” model number of your iPad?

The “A” model number of your iPad can be found on the lower area of the aluminium back of your iPad in small print letters right underneath the large, bold printed” iPad”.