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I still can't update my iPad

My iPad won't update beyond 10.3

iPad, iOS 10

Posted on Jan 24, 2021 1:59 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 24, 2021 2:02 PM

Unless you have one of these models, you cannot update the iOS any further on your device.

iOS 11 is compatible with these devices - Apple Support


  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
  • iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 24, 2021 2:02 PM in response to Erinjanegarcia200

Unless you have one of these models, you cannot update the iOS any further on your device.

iOS 11 is compatible with these devices - Apple Support


  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
  • iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
  • iPad Pro (9.7-inch)
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad (6th generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2


Jan 24, 2021 2:36 PM in response to Erinjanegarcia200

You’ll find your model number here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.


Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for older devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad8 supports current iPadOS 14 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.

I still can't update my iPad

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