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I just updated my iPad Air, model number above, to version 12.5.4. I can't seem to get it to update to a newer version. Is it just that this older model won't take the latest updates or do I need to wait 24 hours or what? Thanks
iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi
That iPad will not update past 12.x.x
See Apple document for requirements to update to IOS 14.x.x
iOS 14 and iPadOS are compatible with these devices - Apple Support
That iPad will not update past 12.x.x
See Apple document for requirements to update to IOS 14.x.x
iOS 14 and iPadOS are compatible with these devices - Apple Support
Your iPad Air model cannot upgrade/update beyond any version of iOS 12, currently at iOS 12.5.4.
The 2013 iPad Air 1, iPad Mini 2 and 2014 iPad Mini 3 cannot upgrade beyond any version of iOS 12.
Sorry.
These iPad models have overall internal hardware that is too old, too underpowered and incapable of running all of the new, advanced and internal hardware resource intensive features of iPadOS.
These iPad models will soon be 7 and 8-years old, in 2021.
Sorry.
There is one last thing you can try/attempt, if you need older versions of apps.
If you own another much newer iOS device that can run iOS/iPadOS 13 and later, you can install the most recent version app/s onto that more recent iOS device.
Then go back to your older iPad, open the iOS App Store, go to the Purchases section of the store app, search for the app/s you wish to try and download to that older iPad and see if an older version of the app is allowed to be downloaded/installed to that older iPad.
These newer iOS/iPadOS devices must use your same Apple ID user account and password.
Failing that OR IF NO joy, then there is nothing more to be done.
It's 2021, now.
If you need/want an iPad with an up to date iPadOS with access to current, updated apps, then you really need to seriously consider a purchase of a new iPad model OR a much, MUCH “newer” and less expensive, refurbished or used iPad models, from better known, trusted sources, like other Apple product/device retailers/resellers, some locally or from online, on the Web/Internet, capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.
There are PLENTY of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS.
I am sorry that you had to learn all of this, but this does not change any of the facts regarding these very old iOS devices.
Sorry & Best of Luck to You!
iPad Air ME999LL4/A won't update past 12.5
