iPadOS 17 does not seem to be available on my iPad. Why?
iPadOS 17 does not seem to be available on my iPad. Why?
iPad Air 2
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The tags appended to your post suggest that you have an iPad Air2. The Air2 is capable of update to iPadOS 15.8; the Air2 does not support iPadOS16 or later
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.
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 15.8
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.2
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.1.2
- iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later)
- iPad Pro 10.5"
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
If your iPad is capable of update 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
Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Window PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.
Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support
Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support
Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support
Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support
If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:
How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support
You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.
