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I’d like to update to the latest ios

How do I update to the latest iOS for my iPad

iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi, Cell TD-LTE

Posted on Mar 4, 2021 9:48 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 4, 2021 9:55 AM

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your 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.


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:


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)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.1


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.


If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


The tags appended to your post suggest that you have an iPad Mini3.


A first generation iPad Air, mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.1.


Apple ended major update support for these models in September 2019 - although they since continue to received “point” security updates. 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 (CPU and RAM) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity - and the potential limitations of your existing iPad.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 4, 2021 9:55 AM in response to Kittyvitacion

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your 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.


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:


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)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.1


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.


If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support


The tags appended to your post suggest that you have an iPad Mini3.


A first generation iPad Air, mini2 and mini3 can only be updated to iOS 12.5.1.


Apple ended major update support for these models in September 2019 - although they since continue to received “point” security updates. 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 (CPU and RAM) for newer versions of iOS/iPadOS.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity - and the potential limitations of your existing iPad.

Mar 4, 2021 10:42 AM in response to Kittyvitacion

No.

Not neccasarily.

Still many apps available for iOS 12, currently, but third party app support will continue to dwindle over the next two years, or so.


There is one last thing you can try/attempt, if you need an older version of an app.

If you own much newer iOS device that can run either iOS 12 and.or iOS/iPadOS 13 and later, you can install the most recent 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.

An iPad Mini 3 is approaching 7-years old, now.


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, used iPad models, from better known, trusted Apple product/device retailers/resellers, locally or online, capable of running the latest iPadOS versions.


There are plenty of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS.



Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

Mar 4, 2021 10:45 AM in response to Kittyvitacion

Kittyvitacion wrote:

So is this obsolete due to the fact that I can’t update to at least 13.0 ios


Not actually obsolete, but is technically unable to be updated to iPadOS13 or later. This constraint is due to CPU/RAM

limitations. iPadOS13 requires a minimum of 2GB RAM - your current iPad having only 1GB.


Your iPad does still receive “point” updates, however, you might be well advised to consider the iPad to be in its “twilight” period of active OS support. It might be a good idea to consider replacement sooner rather than later.

I’d like to update to the latest ios

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