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Ipad mini wont uodate

Ok so ive had my ipad mini a while now but it wont update from ios 9! Most of the Apps now are “incomparable” its not been over used etc… is it its age or has Apple stopped allowing us to use older models of its devices?

iPad mini, iOS 9

Posted on May 8, 2022 12:25 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 9, 2022 8:03 AM

Be assured that your inability to update your iPad is not a ruse to encourage purchase of a new device - but in truth is simply down to the capabilities of the system hardware. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 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 these models in September 2016. Your iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (System Architecture, RAM and CPU), for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.


You need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as most developers have dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions 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 - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad. 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.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


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


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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 9, 2022 8:03 AM in response to JoRo130

Be assured that your inability to update your iPad is not a ruse to encourage purchase of a new device - but in truth is simply down to the capabilities of the system hardware. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 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 these models in September 2016. Your iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (System Architecture, RAM and CPU), for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.


You need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as most developers have dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions 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 - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad. 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.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


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


Ipad mini wont uodate

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