While most iPads can be upgraded to the latest operating system, iPadOS 26, some are stuck at an earlier generation of the operating system. Apple leaves devices behind when they lack the necessary hardware to run the new operating system smoothly. This time, it's the 7th-generation iPad released in 2019.
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, turn it over, and you will find it printed in very small type on the back under the iPad logo. You can also go to Settings > General > About. There you will find the "Model Name" and "Model Number." The model number is a letter followed by four numbers. If you see a slash in a string of characters (for example, MY3K2LL/A), you're looking at the part number. Tap it to reveal the model number.
Have an old iPhone? Check out our story on how to update an old iPhone.
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 |
|
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 |
|
iPad with Retina Display – 4th generation (2012)
Model numbers: A1458, A1459, A1460
|
iOS 10 |
|
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 |
|
iPad mini 4 – 4th generation (2015)
Model numbers: A1550, A1538
iPad Air 2 (2014)
Model numbers: A1566, A1567
|
iPadOS 15 |
|
iPad – 5th generation (2017)
Model numbers: A1822, A1823
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 1st generation (2015)
Model numbers: A1584, A1652
iPad Pro 9.7-inch – 1st generation (2016)
Model numbers: A1673, A1674, A1675
|
iPadOS 16 |
|
iPad – 6th generation (2018)
Model numbers: A1893, A1954
iPad Pro 10.5-inch – 1st generation (2017)
Model numbers: A1701, A1709
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 2nd generation (2017)
Model numbers: A1670, A1671
|
iPadOS 17 |
|
iPad – 7th generation (2019)
Model numbers: A2197, A2198, A2200
|
iPadOS 18 |
|
iPad
iPad – 8th generation (2020)
Model numbers: A2270, A2428, A2429, A2430
iPad – 9th generation (2021)
Model numbers: A2602, A2604, A2603, A2605
iPad – 10th generation (2022)
Model numbers: A2696, A2757, A2777
iPad (A16) (2025)
Model numbers: A3354, A3355, A3356
iPad mini
iPad mini – 5th generation (2019)
Model numbers: A2124, A2126, A2133
iPad mini – 6th generation (2021)
Model numbers: A2567, A2568, A2569
iPad mini (A17 Pro) (2024)
Model numbers: A2993, A2995, A2996
iPad Air
iPad Air – 3rd generation (2019)
Model numbers: A2152, A2123, A2153
iPad Air – 4th generation (2020)
Model numbers: A2316, A2324, A2325, A2072
iPad Air – 5th generation (2022)
Model numbers: A2588, A2589
iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (2024)
Model numbers: A2902, A2903, A2904
iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (2024)
Model numbers: A2898, A2899, A2900
iPad Air 11-inch (M3) (2025)
Model numbers: A3266, A3267, A3270
iPad Air 13-inch (M3) (2025)
Model numbers: A3268, A3269, A3271
iPad Air 11-inch (M4) (2026)
Model numbers: A3459, A3460, A3463
iPad Air 13-inch (M4) (2026)
Model numbers: A3461, A3462, A3464
iPad Pro
iPad Pro 11-inch – 1st generation (2018)
Model numbers: A1980, A2013, A1934
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 3rd generation (2018)
Model numbers: A1876, A2014, A1895
iPad Pro 11-inch – 2nd generation (2020)
Model numbers: A2228, A2068, A2230
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 4th generation (2020)
Model numbers: A2229, A2069, A2232
iPad Pro 11-inch – 3rd generation (2021)
Model numbers: A2377, A2459, A2460
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 5th generation (2021)
Model numbers: A2378, A2461, A2462
iPad Pro 11-inch – 4th generation (2022)
Model numbers: A2759, A2435, A2761, A2762
iPad Pro 12.9-inch – 6th generation (2022)
Model numbers: A2436, A2764, A2437, A2766
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (2024)
Model numbers: A2836, A2837, A3006
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) (2024)
Model numbers: A2925, A2926, A3007
iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) (2025)
Model numbers: A3357, A3358, A3359
iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) (2025)
Model numbers: A3360, A3361, A3362
|
iPadOS 26 |
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 Wi-Fi and plugged into a power source during installation. Then go to Settings > Apple ID [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. 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 iPadOS
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 see either your current version of iOS or iPad OS with 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 or USB-C cable. (You may see a message asking for your iPad passcode or for you to "Trust This Computer." Follow the directions.)
On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open Finder. Select your iPad, select "General," and select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac."
On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, 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.
On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if you’re using an older system). Select your iPad in the sidebar, then select "General," and select "Back up all of the data on your iPad to this PC."
Check for and install the latest iPadOS
On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open Finder. Select your iPad, select "General," and select "Check for Update." If an update is available, select "Update."
On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, 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.
On a Windows PC, open the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if you’re using an older system). Then, connect your device to your computer. Select your iPad in the sidebar, then click "Check for Update" and follow the prompts.
Updated on 3/13/2026 with new model number information, iPadOS 26 compatibility, and instructions for using the Apple Device app for Windows.
[Image credit: iPad updating via BigStockPhoto]
From LFH on April 15, 2024 :: 10:27 am
Was there ever a notification from Apple that their iPads would eventually be unsecure to use once the latest updates were not able to be downloaded.
All sounds like bad business practice to me I don’t suppose they would pay for the updating Problem to be possible!
Reply