9th gen iPad won’t update to OS 16

Unlike iOS16 for iPhone, released 12th September, iPadOS16 is not due for release until sometime in October. 

However, iPadOS 15.7 was also released 12th September - incorporating essential security updates.

About the security content of iOS 15.7 and iPadOS 15.7 - Apple Support

While iOS16 is available for iPhone, iPhone owners have the option to just install iOS15.7 at this time.

More information about the forthcoming release of iPadOS16 can be found here:

iPadOS 16 Preview - Apple

That is because iPADOS16 is out in october…so check back in roughly a month to get 16 on your ipad

only iPhones are able to update to 16 now