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Am I able to update my iPad any further than iOS 9.3.5?

i have an older ipad and it says it is up to date on updates but its only running on ios 9.3.5. can i not update any further?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Feb 14, 2023 11:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 14, 2023 3:30 PM

The 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. These models of iPad 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; 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 may need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for 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 than your iPad is capable, 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.



Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)


64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.3


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.3.1

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 14, 2023 3:30 PM in response to bex8

The 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. These models of iPad 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; 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 may need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for 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 than your iPad is capable, 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.



Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)


64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.3


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.3.1

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


Feb 14, 2023 11:51 AM in response to bex8

An iPad 2, iPad 3, or first generation iPad mini without a GPS isn't capable of 10 or above and isn't subject to the issue which 9.3.6 patches. If you're referring to a different model, go into Settings, open VPN & Device Management, remove the beta profile, restart the unit, and run Software Update again.


(234648)

Am I able to update my iPad any further than iOS 9.3.5?

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