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My iPad thinks its software is up to date, but is only on version iOS12.4.8.

My iPad thinks its software is up to date, but is only on version iOS12.4.8. It wont update because it thinks it is up to date! I've followed all the guidance on line but nothing works. It is so slow now it is affecting my browsing. So how do I get it to install any updates?


iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Sep 24, 2020 6:14 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 24, 2020 9:14 AM

I surmise that you have an original first generation iPad Air, an iPad mini2 or mini3. These models of iPad can only be updated to iOS 12.4.8.


Apple ended update support for these devices in September 2019. They cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new 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). 


Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS14.


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

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 24, 2020 9:14 AM in response to randgmoo

I surmise that you have an original first generation iPad Air, an iPad mini2 or mini3. These models of iPad can only be updated to iOS 12.4.8.


Apple ended update support for these devices in September 2019. They cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new 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). 


Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS14.


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

My iPad thinks its software is up to date, but is only on version iOS12.4.8.

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