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IOS

hi there! I was wondering if I would some how be able to update my iPad the new IOS that is available? I think it’s IOS 11 and my iPad is currently at 9.3 or something and it’s prohibiting me from using certain apps that I need.

iPad mini, iOS 10

Posted on Jul 13, 2020 2:50 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 13, 2020 3:03 PM

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.


Even the most basic current iPad7 will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps.


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

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 13, 2020 3:03 PM in response to Kaylie Brooke

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.


Even the most basic current iPad7 will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps.


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

Jul 13, 2020 3:04 PM in response to Kaylie Brooke

No. If you have the first generation iPad Mini, the highest iOS you can run on that device is 9.3.5. the current iOS for iPad is iPadOS 13.5.1 (much higher than iOS 11 now). Your device is simply too old, too under powered, no longer supported and completely incapable of going higher.


Simply if you need higher level iOS versions for apps, which I'm sure you do on such an old device, you'll need to buy a new or refurbished iPad which is more modern and capable of running the newest OS.

IOS

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