iOS updateMy iPad Air has iOS 12.5.1 but I need iOS 13 or above it says iOS 12 is the latest ?

Hello gg gerry,

Do this:

On your device tap:

Settings > General > Software Update.

1. If it says your device is up to date there is nothing more you can do. If apps you are trying to use say you need a higher iOS version, you will need to buy a newer device if you want to run those apps or features.

2. If it says an update is available you will only be given one update selection which will be the highest available iOS version supported by your device. Click on the link below for full instructions about how to update wirelessly, or using a computer if you have storage or connectivity issues. If the update listed is not equal to or higher than the iOS version you need to use a feature, you will need to buy newer equipment is you want to use that feature.

"Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204204

Sorry, update of your iPad is simply not possible.

A first generation iPad Air, iPad mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.1. With iOS 12.5.1 installed, you must have one of these three models.

Apple ended major update support for these models of iPad in September 2019 - although they since continue to received “point” security updates. These devices cannot be updated to iPadOS 13 (or any later major versions of iPadOS) as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements (CPU and RAM) for newer 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.

Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.

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