I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options – and the limitations of your existing iPad Air.
Update your iPhone or iPad
Make sure that “Security Responses & System Files” is turned on. You can reinstall the Rapid Security Response later, or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update.
Apple security updates
macOS Ventura 13 Mac Studio (2022), Mac Pro (2019 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), MacBook Pro (2017 and later), Mac mini (2018 and later), iMac (2017 and later), MacBook (2017), and iMac Pro (2017) 24 Oct 2022 watchOS 9.1 Apple Watch Series 4 and later 24 Oct 2022 This update has no published CVE entries.
Apple Watch Series 4 and later 10 Oct 2022
This update has no published CVE entries. This update has no published CVE entries.
watchOS 9 Apple Watch Series 4 and later 12 Sep 2022 Apple Watch Series 3 17 Aug 2022 watchOS 8.7 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 20 Jul 2022 This update has no published CVE entries.
macOS Big Sur 09 Jun 2022 This update has no published CVE entries.
This update has no published CVE entries. Apple Watch Series 3 and later 31 Mar 2022 Apple TV (3rd generation) 14 Mar 2022
GarageBand 10.4.6 macOS Big Sur 11.5 and later 14 Mar 2022 Logic Pro 10.7.3 macOS Big Sur 11.5 and later 14 Mar 2022 Xcode 13.3 macOS Monterey 12 and later 14 Mar 2022
watchOS 8.5 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 14 Mar 2022 This update has no published CVE entries.
macOS Big Sur 14 Feb 2022 watchOS 8.4 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 26 Jan 2022 watchOS 8.3 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 13 Dec 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular) 18 Nov 2021
macOS Monterey 12.0.1 (Advisory includes security content of macOS Monterey 12.0 and macOS Monterey 12.0.1) Mac Pro (2013 and later), MacBook Air (Early 2015 and later), MacBook Pro (Early 2015 and later), Mac mini (Late 2014 and later), iMac (Late 2015 and later), MacBook (Early 2016 and later), iMac Pro (2017 and later) 25 Oct 2021 macOS Monterey 12.0 Preinstalled only on certain Mac models; please update to macOS Monterey 12.0.1 Preinstalled
watchOS 8.1 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 25 Oct 2021 iOS 12.5.5 iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation) 23 Sep 2021
Xcode 13 macOS Big Sur 11.3 and later 20 Sep 2021 watchOS 8 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 20 Sep 2021 iTunes U 3.8.3 iOS 12.4 and later or iPadOS 12.4 and later 15 Sep 2021 watchOS 7.6.2 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 13 Sep 2021 watchOS 7.6.1 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 29 Jul 2021 iOS 14.7 iPhone 6s and later, and iPod touch (7th generation) 19 Jul 2021
watchOS 7.6 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 19 Jul 2021 Boot Camp 6.1.14 Mac Pro (Late 2013 and later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later), MacBook Air (Mid 2013 and later), Mac mini (Mid 2014 and later), iMac (Mid 2014 and later), MacBook (Early 2015 and later), iMac Pro (Late 2017) 17 May 2021
Xcode 12.5 macOS Big Sur 11 and later 26 Apr 2021 watchOS 7.4 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 26 Apr 2021
GarageBand 10.4.3 macOS Big Sur 06 Apr 2021 watchOS 7.3.3 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 26 Mar 2021 watchOS 7.3.2 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 08 Mar 2021 iOS 14.4.1 and iPadOS 14.4.1 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation) 08 Mar 2021 macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 25 Feb 2021 iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation) 26 Jan 2021 watchOS 7.3 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 26 Jan 2021 iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation) 14 Dec 2020 watchOS 7.2 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 14 Dec 2020 iOS 12.5 iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation) 14 Dec 2020
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Mac mini (M1, 2020), MacBook Air (M1, 2020), MacBook Air (13-inch, 2020) 17 Nov 2020 Security Update 2020-006 High Sierra, Security Update 2020-006 Mojave macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Mojave 10.14.6 12 Nov 2020 macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 (Advisory includes security content of macOS Big Sur 11.0 and macOS Big Sur 11.0.1) Mac Pro (2013 and later), MacBook Air (2013 and later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later), Mac mini (2014 and later), iMac (2014 and later), MacBook (2015 and later), iMac Pro (all models) 12 Nov 2020 macOS Big Sur 11.0 Preinstalled only on certain Mac models; please update to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Preinstalled watchOS 7.1 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 05 Nov 2020 watchOS 5.3.9 Apple Watch Series 1 and later 05 Nov 2020
iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation) 05 Nov 2020 iOS 12.4.9 iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and 3, iPod touch (6th generation) 05 Nov 2020 watchOS 7.0 Apple Watch Series 3 and later 16 Sep 2020
iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0 iPhone 6s and later, iPod touch 7th generation, iPad Air 2 and later, and iPad mini 4 and later 16 Sep 2020
macOS Catalina 10.15.6 Supplemental Update iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and 3, iPod touch (6th generation) 15 Jul 2020
iOS 13.6 and iPadOS 13.6 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation 15 Jul 2020 watchOS 6.2.8 Apple Watch Series 1 and later 15 Jul 2020 watchOS 6.2.6 Apple Watch Series 1 and later 01 Jun 2020 iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation 01 Jun 2020
Windows Migration Assistant 2.2.0.0 (v. 1A11) macOS Catalina 26 May 2020 iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation 20 May 2020 Xcode 11.4.1 macOS Catalina 10.15.2 and later 15 Apr 2020 macOS Catalina 10.15.4 Supplemental Update
iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation 24 Mar 2020 watchOS 6.2 Apple Watch Series 1 and later 24 Mar 2020 Xcode 11.4 macOS Catalina 10.15.2 and later 24 Mar 2020 iOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 13.3.1 iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch 7th generation 28 Jan 2020
watchOS 6.1.2 Apple Watch Series 1 and later 28 Jan 2020
Can an iPad Air get iOS 14
These newer iOS/iPadOS devices must use your same Apple ID user account and password. If you need/want an iPad with an up to date iPadOS with access to current, updated apps, then you really need to seriously consider a purchase of a new iPad model OR a much, MUCH “newer” and less expensive, refurbished or used iPad models, from better known, trusted sources, like other Apple product/device retailers/resellers, some locally or from online, on the Web/Internet, capable of running the latest iPadOS versions. There are PLENTY of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS. All of these older model iPads below CAN run the latest releases of iPadOS 15.
2016, 9.7 inch screen iPad Pro models ( 1st gen Pencil support ) 2017, 10.5 inch screen iPad Pro models ( 1st gen Pencil support )
I am sorry that you had to learn all of this, but this does not change any of the facts regarding these older iOS devices.
How to Update an Old iPad
To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page. 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. 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
You can update it wirelessly over WiFi or connect it to a computer and use the iTunes app. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on and select “Back Up Now.”
(You may see a message asking for your iPad passcode or for your to “Trust This Computer.” On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, launch iTunes.
Click on the “Back Up Now” button, and you’ll receive a confirmation when the backup is complete. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.
For the past 20+ years, Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Ten years ago, she founded Techlicious, which serves the role of that tech-savvy friend you can count on to share tips and tricks to get the most out of technology; whether that’s saving time in our hectic schedules, discovering new ways to enjoy our personal interests, or keeping up with the latest technology trends and styles.
Previously, she served as Technology Editor for Popular Science Magazine.
Update your iPhone or iPad
Make sure that “Security Responses & System Files” is turned on. You can reinstall the Rapid Security Response later, or wait for it to be installed permanently as part of a standard software update.
How to Update an Old iPad
To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page. 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.
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
You can update it wirelessly over WiFi or connect it to a computer and use the iTunes app. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on and select “Back Up Now.”
(You may see a message asking for your iPad passcode or for your to “Trust This Computer.” On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, launch iTunes.
Click on the “Back Up Now” button, and you’ll receive a confirmation when the backup is complete. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.
For the past 20+ years, Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Ten years ago, she founded Techlicious, which serves the role of that tech-savvy friend you can count on to share tips and tricks to get the most out of technology; whether that’s saving time in our hectic schedules, discovering new ways to enjoy our personal interests, or keeping up with the latest technology trends and styles.
Previously, she served as Technology Editor for Popular Science Magazine.
iOS 12.5.6 rolling out to older iPhone and iPad devices with important security fixes
Apple has a new software update coming for older iPhone and iPad devices. All of these devices were dropped from support with iOS 13, but Apple has continued to update them with important security fixes since then. The first vulnerability could have allowed an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
For this vulnerability, Apple says that “processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.”
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