While most iPads can be upgraded to the latest operating system, iPadOS 14, some are stuck at an earlier generation of the operating system. Apple leaves devices behind when they don't have the hardware that's necessary to smoothly run the new operating system.
Consult the chart below to find out the latest version of iOS or iPadOS that your tablet supports. To identify which iPad model you own, go to Settings > General > About. There you will find the "Model Name" and "Model Number."
The Latest Version of iOS or iPadOS by iPad Model
Devices |
Latest Version of iOS or iPadOS |
| iPad - 1st generation (2010), Model numbers A1219, A1337 | iOS 5.1.1 |
|
iPad 2 - 2nd generation (2011), Model numbers A1395, A1396, A1397 iPad - 3rd generation (early 2012), Model numbers A1403, A1430, A1416 iPad mini - 1st generation (2012), Model numbers A1432, A1454, A1455 |
iOS 9.3.5 for WiFi only models iOS 9.3.6 for WiFi + cellular models |
| iPad with Retina Display - 4th generation (2012), Model numbers A1458, A1459, A1460 | iOS 10.3.4 |
|
iPad mini 2 - 2nd generation (2013), Model numbers A1489, A1490, A1491 iPad mini 3 - 3rd generation (2014), Model numbers A1599, A1600 iPad Air - 1st generation (2013), Model numbers A1474, A1475, A1476 |
iOS 12.4.8 |
|
iPad - 5th generation (2017), Model numbers A1822, A1823 iPad - 6th generation (2018), Model numbers A1893, A1954 iPad - 7th generation (2019), Model numbers A2197, A2198, A2200 iPad - 8th generation (2020), Model numbers A2270, A2428, A2429, A2430 iPad mini 4 - 4th generation (2015), Model numbers A1550, A1538 iPad mini - 5th generation (2019), Model numbers A2124, A2126, A2133 iPad Air 2 - 2nd generation (2014), Model numbers A1566, A1567 iPad Air - 3rd generation (2019), Model numbers A2152, A2123, A2153 iPad Air - 4th generation (2020), Model numbers A2316, A2324, A2325, A2072 iPad Pro 12.9" - 1st generation (2015), Model numbers A1584, A1652 iPad Pro 9.7" - 1st generation (2016), Model numbers A1673, A1674, A1675 iPad Pro 10.5" and 12.9" - 2nd generation (2017), Model numbers A1701, A1709 (10.5"), Model numbers A1670, A1671 (12.9") iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" - 3rd generation (2018), Model numbers A1980, A2013, A1934 (11-inch), Model numbers A1876, A2014, A1895 (12.9") iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" - 4th generation (2020), Model numbers A2228, A2068, A2230 (11-inch), Model numbers A2229, A2069, A2232 (12.9") |
iPadOS 14 |
How to update an old iPad
There are two ways to update your old iPad. You can update it wirelessly over WiFi or connect it to a computer and use the iTunes app.
How to update an old iPad wirelessly
Back up your iPad. Make sure your iPad is connected to WiFi and then go to Settings > Apple ID [Your Name] > iCloud or Settings > iCloud. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on and select "Back Up Now." You'll receive a confirmation when the backup is complete.
Check for and install the latest software. To check for the latest software, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPad will then check for a software update. On the screen, you'll either see your current version of iOS or iPad OS and the message "Your software is up to date," or if your software is not up to date, you'll see the option to "Download and Install."
How to update an old iPad using your computer
Back up your iPad. Connect your iPad to your computer with your Lightning cable. (You may see a message asking for your iPad passcode or for your to "Trust This Computer." Follow the directions.) On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, launch iTunes. Locate your iPad in iTunes and click on it. You'll then see an option to "Back Up Now." Click on the "Back Up Now" button, and you'll receive a confirmation when the backup is complete.
Check for and install the latest software. On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes. Then, connect your device to your computer. Locate your device on your computer. Click "General" or "Settings," then click "Check for Update." Click "Download and Update." You may be asked to enter your passcode.
Updated on 1/18/2021 with model number information.
[Image credit: Techlicious]
13.0 update
From Donald Cercone on November 05, 2020 :: 4:27 pm
Can I update my mini 2 to version 13.0?
Reply
No. The last update for
From Suzanne Kantra on November 05, 2020 :: 4:57 pm
No. The last update for iPad mini 2 is iOS 12.4.8
Reply
I thought that’s what it
From Filip Draskovic on January 09, 2021 :: 4:10 am
I thought that’s what it says
Reply
Been looking for hours for
From Filip Draskovic on January 09, 2021 :: 4:13 am
Been looking for hours for such info,extremel helpful,thanks
Reply
Upgrade a mini ipad
From John connolly on January 10, 2021 :: 4:14 am
Has no one upgraded a 2012 iPad - given the earths resources are limited surely now is the time to allow upgrades to old iPads there has to be a market - I feel it is morally wrong to just go out and buy a new shiny iPad
Reply
i agree 100% da point
From Christina Brown on January 12, 2021 :: 12:06 pm
i agree 100% da point of switching to Apple was its capabilities of upgrading all their devices….. So its like we dont matter if we dont jump to upgrade their products that changes almost every 4 months sometimes
Software update
From Fiona on January 11, 2021 :: 4:56 pm
I’m looking to update iPad mini and an iPad gen 2 latest update when backed up say 9.3.5 how do I update this to a better one as my daughters games are usually supported by 10 and above
Reply
iOS 10 not available for those models
From Josh Kirschner on January 12, 2021 :: 1:57 pm
9.3.5 is the latest update available for the 1st gen iPad mini and 2nd gen iPad. iOS 10 isn’t available. Even if it were, the hardware on those very old devices would not have the power to run many of the newer games.
Did you find out
From Karen on January 13, 2021 :: 3:01 pm
Did you find out
How frustrating using an iPad can be!!
From Jo on January 12, 2021 :: 4:01 pm
I am completely and utterly frustrated w my iPad, I am trying to sync info from a lost android to my older iPad and i am so confused, I don’t know but the basics of tech stuff , but I don’t know which browser I’m in or which app is in which browser or the passwords for certain apps in the different browser so!!!!! It does explain it at all as your doing it I mean the choices on the pages are basic unless you know yu ain’t getting nowhere, it has had me change my passwords so many times now I don’t even know?!?! I have different ones for Google and different for safari !???! It’s just a big jumbled disscombobulated mess every time I try to figure it out all I’m doing is changing passwords in order to try and get to the page to help me. And then it says all your passwords have been comprimised yu need to change them all now! Oh my Lanta lord help me I’m going to snap!!! Thanks for letting me vent and cry !!
Reply
Here's some help...
From Dave on January 18, 2021 :: 12:46 pm
I understand that using an iPad alongside an Android OS tablet can be quite the struggle. However, if you mean to sync passwords, then I would recommend using just one browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or even Microsoft Edge. Each browser is different, however, you would usually need to make an account for that browser. Since you are using Android, I would recommend Chrome—you can sign in to a Google Account to sync your passwords, as well as the availability on both devices. Even better, go analog and write your passwords down. (Keep it safe, of course.) Moreover, due to the fact it says your passwords may have been compromised, you may need to change them, now. If you have any password that was compromised, try to think of a better one. It’s not the end of the world. Good luck.
Reply
Password manager would be better
From Josh Kirschner on January 18, 2021 :: 5:11 pm
You would be better off using a password manager app, rather than a browser-based option. The app will give you the advantage of filling in passwords within apps on both your iPad and Android tablet, not just websites. We have a list of our recommended password managers, and I’m also a fan of 1Password, which wasn’t in that earlier article.