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Owners of Old iPhones and iPads Need to Update Software Now

by Suzanne Kantra on October 31, 2019

If you’re using an old iPhone or iPad, it may be at risk of losing access to email, apps, and the web. According to a warning issued by Apple, owners of iPhone 5 and earlier models, 4th generation iPads and earlier and first-generation iPad minis have until November 2, 2019, at 8PM ET/5PM PT (12 AM on November 3 UTC) to update their device’s operating system or face major problems using their devices. 

At fault is a GPS time rollover issue, which wouldn't seem to have such far reaching effects. But GPS isn't just used for determining location, it also is used to maintain the correct date and time. Without a verified date and time, the phone won't be able to access the App Store, email, and web browsing. 

To check to make sure you have the correct version of iOS, do the following: 

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Select General
  3. Select About and look for the number next to where it says "Software Version."

For iPhone 5 and iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, it should be updated to iOS 10.3.4

For iPhone 4s, iPad mini (1st generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular (CDMA models only) and iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, it should be updated to iOS 9.3.6.

This issue does not affect iPod touch models or any iPad model that only uses Wi-Fi. 

If you're confused about which iPad model you own and whether it can be updated, check out our story on how to update an old iPad.

If you do need to update your software, remember to back up your device before updating. 

To update your software: 

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Select General
  3. Software Update

Apple warns that if you don't update ahead of November 2, 2019, at 8PM ET/5PM PT (12 AM on November 3 UTC), you will have to back up and restore using a Mac or PC to update. After the cutoff date, you will not be able to update over-the-air and iCloud Backup will not work. 

[Image credit: iPhone 5 and iPad mini via BigStockPhoto]


Topics

News, Phones and Mobile, Mobile Apps, iPhone/iPad Apps, Blog


Discussion loading

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From qareeb ullah on November 12, 2019 :: 12:35 am


NAME-IPAD
MODEL MB293LL
VERSION 5.1.1 (9B206)

I WANT UPDATE MY IPAD
PLZZZ

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From Beverly on January 01, 2020 :: 10:31 pm


How can I up grade my ios5.1.1 to a 6

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From Isaac on March 04, 2020 :: 8:26 am


I have try several many times to upgrade ior update but I’m not receiving updates from apple and I have searched for it still not receiving help me

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From Suzanne Kantra on March 04, 2020 :: 8:32 am


iOS 5.1.1 is the final update for this device from Apple.

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From Muhammad Salman Safdar on May 17, 2020 :: 5:02 am


how you update it

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From Hristian Genov on March 28, 2021 :: 8:58 am


I want to update my iOS so badly
Please could you tell me how

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From Venkata Ramana Eeda on March 13, 2020 :: 10:05 am


Need latest iOS version greater than 9.3.5 for my mini

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From Venkata Ramana Eeda on March 13, 2020 :: 10:11 am


Need latest iOS version greater than 9.3.5 for my mini

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From Suzanne Kantra on March 13, 2020 :: 10:21 am


If you have a first-generation iPad mini, iOS 9.3.5 is the final update.

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From Venkata Ramana Eeda on March 13, 2020 :: 11:26 am


MD531LL/A iPad mini wi-fi 16GB Model A1432 can u confirm the generation with above details

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From Saurabh on April 08, 2020 :: 3:21 pm


Can 4 generations iPad be updated to iOS 12

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From Isaac on April 21, 2020 :: 9:41 pm


Please what else can i do to update my iPad 5.1.1.1 MB293B because the cut off date has pass before I bought it

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From Josh Kirschner on April 22, 2020 :: 9:00 am


The 1st gen iPads cannot be upgraded past 5.1.1. Unfortunately, 1st gen iPad owners (and we were one of them) were left behind by Apple when they went to iOS 6.

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From Darla Boelter on April 29, 2020 :: 5:19 pm


Do I need an update?  How do I?

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From Darla Boelter on April 29, 2020 :: 5:22 pm


My iPad Air is model mfoo3ll/b. Version 8.3. Should I update and how do I?

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From Josh Kirschner on April 30, 2020 :: 9:41 am


Yes, you should update. The latest verion of iOS the first generation iPad Air supports is iOS 12.4.6. You can either do that over WiFi: Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. Or, plug the iPad into your computer, open iTunes on the computer, find your device on your computer and click General or Settings, then click “Check for Update”. Follow the steps from there.

Your iPad should be set to update automatically (not that it will really matter anymore). To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update, then tap Automatic Updates.

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From Sangertha on May 12, 2020 :: 9:37 pm


My iPad is not able to search or receive any software updates. Any advice ?

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From Sangertha on May 12, 2020 :: 9:39 pm


While checking for software updates it keeps erroring

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From Josh Kirschner on May 14, 2020 :: 11:21 pm


Various modeld of iPads are limited on what updates they can receive. Which iPad model do you have? 8.3 (build 12F69) is the iOS version not the iPad model.

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From Sangertha on May 20, 2020 :: 8:58 am


ME195LL/A is the model.

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From Josh Kirschner on May 20, 2020 :: 10:10 am


That’s a 4th generation iPad and limited to iOS 10.3.3 as the final software update. With the issue your having, are you trying to update wirelessly or while connected to your computer via iTunes? You may need to take the latter approach to get it to go since your current iOS version is quite old.

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From Deborah on May 14, 2020 :: 7:40 pm


That was the most ridiculous statement by Apple, all of our legacy Apple devices are still working as they have been, connecting to the internet, using WiFi, why do people believe everything Apple states? It was debunked as a sales pitch to get you all to upgrade. My IPad 2 on IOS 6 has no problems note wife’s old IPhone 4.

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From pruthvi on May 21, 2020 :: 5:48 am


Model (MD531AB/A)
Last version (9.3.5)

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From Josh Kirschner on May 21, 2020 :: 9:32 am


The last version of iOS for the first generation iPad mini is 9.3.6. If it isn’t updating over-the-air, connect it to your computer and try updating through iTunes.

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From Donavin on August 03, 2020 :: 2:33 pm


His my iPad is saying that my software is up to date however it is 9.3.5….I think it is the old generation iPad but I want to know how I can update its software

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From Josh Kirschner on August 03, 2020 :: 10:27 pm


For non-cellular 2nd and 3rd generation iPads, 9.3.5 is the final version. Only the cellular models got 9.3.6, which just had a fix for cellular GPS location. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_version_history#9.3.6

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From sunkanmiiyanda on August 27, 2020 :: 9:45 pm


How do I update my apple ipad 3rd generation to 9.3.6 without iTunes

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From Jea on May 25, 2020 :: 7:08 pm


iPad mini
Version 11.4.1
Model A1489

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From Mhine on June 05, 2020 :: 8:49 am


How to update my software in iPhone 4s 7.1.2?

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From Josh Kirschner on June 05, 2020 :: 9:01 am


If you have an iPhone 4, then it cannot be upgraded further. If it is a 4S, then you should be able to upgrade to iOS 9.3.5. If the over-the-air update isn’t working, hook it up to your computer and try upgrading it via iTunes.

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From Usman Ghani on August 30, 2020 :: 2:45 pm


Version 7.1.2 (11D257)
Model MC318LL/A
Serial No. 85139BC6A4S

I want my iphone upgrade into 9.3.5, if this is possible please inform me, and how i do this.

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From Mtonga Isaac on June 16, 2020 :: 6:42 am


How can I update my ipad software from WiFi support only to software that support WiFi and Cellular network? please help me, tired of using WiFi only.

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From Josh Kirschner on June 16, 2020 :: 9:51 am


It’s not clear from your question whether your iPad came with cellular hardware, since you can’t use cellular without it. Do you have a model with cellular? And, if so, did it just stop working or have you never used it for cellular?

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From Chidinma uzoma on July 11, 2020 :: 6:14 pm


I can’t do anything on my iPad the version 5:11 please I want to upgrade

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From Hamid on August 14, 2020 :: 7:47 am


Sir/madam
    I have an ipad4th G many app doesn’t download my iPad
Could you please help me ,which iOS version apt to my iPad for update ,this is 10.3.4 ,can I update this.
     
                                Hamid

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From Emmanuel on August 26, 2020 :: 1:32 am


Pliz help me update my ios5.1.1

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From sunkanmiiyanda on August 27, 2020 :: 9:47 pm


How do I update my apple ipad 3rd generation to 9.3.6 version

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From Josh Kirschner on August 28, 2020 :: 7:20 am


9.3.5 is the last version for 3rd generation iPads. Only the cellular models got 9.3.6, which was just a fix for cellular GPS location. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_version_history#9.3.6

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From Christina Harnden on August 28, 2020 :: 9:23 am


I just got an ipad 4th gen & I read all the descriptions, specs & every review still I had no clue that the gen 4 ipad doesn’t update to the newer ios! I don’t otherwise care but the app store won’t let me download any of the what i call “staple” apps!!! I need ios 12 at least & i’m at ios 10.3.4 or something or other!!!

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From Jintu Tanti on September 13, 2020 :: 10:36 am


Plz last update?

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From Jintu Tanti on September 13, 2020 :: 10:37 am


Last update plz???

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From Abdelaziz ambutong on October 05, 2020 :: 6:11 pm


I’ve got iPad mini 1st gen model A1432 running iOS 9.3.5 please help and need info for download process

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From Sheila on October 23, 2020 :: 1:28 am


Hi, I have a 1st generation iPad Pro Model A1584 (12-inch something). Am still on Version 11.3.1 and trying to update to the latest iPadOS. I could see that my system was able to download iPadOS 14.1 but is unable to install, with the message “Unable to Install Update An error occurred installing iPadOS 14.1.” but didn’t specify what error.

Pls advise. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

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From Suzanne Kantra on October 23, 2020 :: 10:35 am


There are two things you can try.

First, I’d try removing the download and trying the update again. To do that go to:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
2. Find the update in the list of apps.
3. Tap the update, then tap Delete Update.
4. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and download the latest update.

If that doesn’t work or you don’t see the update in the list of apps in iPad storage, you’ll need to use your computer to update.

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From Sheila on October 26, 2020 :: 9:44 pm


Will try that.

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From Mtonga Isaac on October 23, 2020 :: 2:39 am


Am trying to update my iPad2 it always says, it’s already Updated.
What can I do to update 9.3.5 to Software that supports Sim Card. I want to activate to use Simcard on my iPad2 not only Wi-Fi no.
Please help me, which software is supported by iPad2 apart from IOS 9.3.5 version?

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From Suzanne Kantra on October 23, 2020 :: 10:39 am


Please go into Settings > General > About and respond with the Model Number.

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From Arnand on January 09, 2021 :: 4:25 am


Please I need to update my ipad2 model number is MC773SO/A version 9.3.5(13G36)

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From Suzanne Kantra on January 21, 2021 :: 3:18 pm


That’s the as far as you can update an iPad 2

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From Rob on March 27, 2021 :: 2:03 pm


So we can not use Apps that require OS 10 ? I went to add an app and received message I needed to upgrade my OS.

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From Josh Kirschner on April 02, 2021 :: 8:33 am


If the app requires iOS 10, the you are out of luck. The only option you have is to try to load an earlier version of the app, if one is available. To do this, load the app on another iOS device with 10 or above, then try to download on your iPad from iTunes and hope there is a version out there that works with 9.3.5. If there is, it will give you the option to download it. Note that earlier versions of apps may have limited features or not work at all.

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