IOS 13 superseded the iOS 12 since 2019, although updates 14 and 15 came later. Apple users with phones, tablets, or laptops always upgrade their devices to run on the best and most current features and capabilities. You may have an iPad Air and want to know whether it is also eligible for an iOS 13 upgrade.
So, will the iPad Air get iOS 13? The iPad Air is compatible with iOS 13 as long as it is a second-generation model or any other later release. Only the original model upgrades to software version 12.5.5, but the rest have support even for the most current iOS 15. The first generation’s hardware may not be capable enough to operate the advanced features of newer software, cutting it off Apple’s support.
If you have an iPad Air in the first to the fifth generation, it is crucial to know whether you can update it to iOS 13 or later. Apple’s long-awaited iOS 13 launched in 2019, and fans couldn’t wait to get their devices updated. However, unlike version 12, this new upgrade wasn’t automatic for the older versions because some gadgets were not compatible. Out of the five iPad Air generations, the following are the models that support iOS 13.
All the iPad Air versions are eligible for iOS 13 except the original first-generation model, which can only upgrade to 12.5.5. The iPad Air 2 (Second gen) and the third to fifth generations can upgrade to version 13.
Apple gradually shut out old gadgets that could not support the advanced features of iOS 13, and the original iPad Air is an example. Luckily, from the second to the fifth iPad Air generation, they can all support version 13 to the latest iOS 15.
Apple’s announcement in 2019 about iOS 13 came at the right time, and it proved worthwhile, coming after iOS 11 and 12. The previous year’s version 12 was compatible with all the gadgets running iOS 11.
Unfortunately, the same doesn’t apply to iOS 13 because only capable devices can get upgrades, meaning that some phones and iPads will stick to version 12 while others move on to the latest iOS 15. For the iPad, only one doesn’t meet the minimum qualifications.
Sadly, the original or the first-generation iPad Air cannot get iOS updates, but it is good news for users with successive devices. If you have iPad Air 2, the third, fourth and fifth-generation versions, you can effortlessly update your gadgets and enjoy the latest features from Apple. You can update to iOS 13, but you can also get version 15. Many users will have this privilege, although most of these products are discontinued by Apple, except the last Air generation.
The company gradually halts old systems from upgrading if they cannot support the advanced requirements of the new iOS. It puts users of iPad Air, 2, 3, and mini on the receiving end of the spectrum because they will always remain on older operating systems.
If you are not sure of your iPad type, you can confirm from its Settings. Open the app and go to General, then scroll to the “About” icon, and you will see the entire list of details about your tablet, including its Model name.
You can also counter-check which software version you are using currently with the same process from the Settings, General, and About. Next, scroll down the list and find the “Software Version” icon where you will see your current iOS.
If your tablet is eligible, you can proceed to upgrade. Luckily, even the unsupported versions are still operational, although without Apple’s updates, and there are several tasks you can do with your old iPad Air.
Why Can’t I Get iOS 13 on My iPad Air?
Apple’s newer operating systems are more comprehensive and better than the previous generations’ iOS. The hardware of your iDevice usually plays a significant role in allowing new updates or not. If you have an iPad Air and you are having issues with the update process, you would want to know why this is happening and what you can do about it.
As a general rule, your iPad Air may be too old to support iOS 13, or it may have some technical hitches. However, the original iPad Air’s hardware doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to accommodate the newest iPadOS, making the two incompatible.
Fortunately, the iPad Air 2 and third to fifth models are eligible for upgrading to iOS 15, unlike the first generation stuck at iOS 12. Apple tends to release new software and gives a list of supported devices. Therefore, you will be unlucky if your device is over five or six years old and missing from the compatibility list.
Primarily, issues with iOS updates are due to the device being too old to run the new iOS version. The first-generation iPad Air cannot use iOS 13 because the manufacturer considers the device outdated.
After about five years, Apple gadgets usually stop getting software upgrades making it challenging to advance to newer and better versions. A launched iOS comes with improved features and high demand by users but tends to be quite demanding on the hardware to run comfortably.
If you are using the first iPad Air release, it explains why you have issues with updating from version 12. Your tablet doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to support the advanced features of iOS 13.
Therefore, if you want to always stay updated, your last resort would be to acquire a new gadget that can support better software. On the contrary, sometimes your iPad may have problems installing a new iOS even when compatible.
Luckily, the second and subsequent releases of the iPad Air can support iOS 13. Otherwise, if you still have update issues, they may be due to insufficient iPad storage space, making it difficult for the device to support the upgrade.
Thus, creating more storage space should allow a smooth upgrade. The most likely folders using up space in your tablet may be unused files and applications, but it may be wise to restart the device to make the process faster.
Once you make the necessary tweaks, iPad Air’s second generation and later should download and allow installation of a new update. Otherwise, it would be wise to consult Apple Support. Still, an outdated original iPad Air can be a helpful gadget, even without the latest software.
You can make it handy if you have one, especially around the house. It will be handy in daily tasks and work as a phone or PC. For instance, you can use your iPads to browse, play video games, download recipe books, store school notes, among several other tasks.
How Do I Update My Old iPad Air To iOS 13?
Provided that you don’t have the first-generation iPad Mini, you now know that you can update your device to iOS 13, 14, and 15. Your second to fifth-generation tablet has capable hardware that can support the most recent updates. If you are upgrading for the first time, the following are some stepwise details to guide you.
For iPad 2 and later releases, you can update the tablet’s system to iOS 13, through the Settings app and iCloud. First, ensure that your device has connected to reliable Wi-Fi, click Settings, scroll to the Apple ID, and find the iCloud option.
Your iCloud backup should be on when you click the “Back Up” action, and a notification will appear if the process is successful. Alternatively, you can condition your iPad to make automatic updates to avoid the lengthy manual process, and you will always be running on the latest software.
Before starting the updating process, it is essential to check which version you are currently using, and it is a simple process from your Settings. Navigate to General, then find Software Update, and your tablet will do the rest. The screen will show your current iOS/ iPad OS, and if everything is ok, you will see the message confirming that the device is updated. Otherwise, the system will show the “Download” option to click and upgrade if you are out-of-date.
Generally, there are two main ways to update your iPad OS, wirelessly using Wi-Fi or linking to a computer and using iTunes. However, the most common and fastest method is the wireless option.
As long as you are sure that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, it is usually a straightforward process. You will start with the Settings, go to your Apple ID and locate iCloud. If the backup is running, you can click to complete the backup process, where you will get a confirmation message.
Instead of going through these steps every time there are new updates, it is more convenient to set your iPad to make automatic upgrades. Starting with the Settings, go to General, Software Update, Automatic Updates, and toggle on the icon. If it turns green, you will be confident that your tablet will always upgrade whenever Apple releases a new iOS. Besides the Wireless method, you can also update your iPad using your computer.
The first step is to link your tablet to your PC using a Lightning cable. A message will pop up for you to enter your passcode and a trust confirmation for the process to continue, and you can follow the instructions. If your macOS is Catalina 10.15 and above, you can use Finder, but PCs or Mojave 10.14 and earlier versions can use iTunes. Find your iPad on the respective apps, tap it, and see the option to back it up.
Which iPads Will Not Get iOS 13?
Each newly released Apple software has a unique feature that is an enhancement of the last. On the downside, better features usually require capable devices with compatible hardware, making it common for older generation gadgets to become obsolete. This final section gives an overview of all iPads that are not eligible for iOS 13 and those that are compatible.
The first-generation iPad Air, some old regular iPad versions, and iPad mini 2 and 3 are incompatible with Apple’s iOS 13. These devices don’t support the current iOS mainly because Apple stopped supporting the A7 chip. The hardware in the old iPads also fails to support the new operating system. Besides, the adjustments made by Apple have enhanced the iOS 13 to be way better than the older version of iPads. Still, the unsupported tablets can be helpful even without iOS 13 installed.
Apple releases compatibility lists each time a new iOS launches. If you notice that your old iPad isn’t among the upgradable devices, your only resolve would be to purchase a newer current-generation iPad.
Otherwise, you will be missing out on the fantastic improvements of the new iPadOS. It is best to be keen on your device’s generation because most iPads older than five years are currently obsolete.
If you get an iPad Air, the first question is its age because the original version currently does not support iOS 13. In contrast, iPad Air 2 and later versions can run iOS 13, 14, and 15. Moreover, if you want an iPad Mini, it is best to avoid buying a first, second, or third generation, but if you already own one, you may have to use it as it is, sticking to version 12. Thankfully, iPad Mini 4, up to the sixth generation, can effortlessly run the latest iOS 15.
On the other hand, all models of the iPad Pro can smoothly run iOS 13 to 15, from the 9.7″ to the 11”. Apple also manufactured regular iPads besides the Air, Mini, and Pro in 2010. They are some of the oldest tablet versions from Apple, while the Minis came later in 2012, followed closely by iPad Air in 2013 and finally iPad Pro in 2015. Unfortunately, all the Regular iPads made before the fifth generation are incompatible with iOS 13, hence it is safer to buy a later release if you want to install new software.
Summary
Apple works tirelessly to release system updates to keep their devices safe and improve their functionalities. All users with phones, PCs, or tablets from the company will always rush to install these updates to keep getting Apple’s support. Unfortunately, some old devices have to stay obsolete if their hardware is too old to run the new advanced iOS.
It has happened to most regular iPad models and the first generation Mini and Air. Owning these old gadgets means you will not upgrade past version 12, let alone the most recent iOS 15. Luckily, your tablet won’t become obsolete without support because you can still use it at home, work, or school.
