Apple always releases system updates for its gadgets to beef up security, add better features, and fix bugs. Irrespective of your Apple product, the entire process is generally user-friendly. However, older models tend not to receive updates as frequently as the newer models.
So, can the iPad mini 2 be updated? Luckily, you can update your iPad mini 2 from version 7 all through to 12. Apple has currently seized production of the model, but you can still find updates to improve functionality. However, since the mini 2 uses the A7 chip, you cannot find updates higher than iPadOS 13. The processor isn’t strong enough to accommodate it. Therefore, you will have to stick to version 12 or purchase a more recent tablet model compatible with the latest updates.
Every iPad user prefers the most effective operation system, explaining why updates are such a big deal. Knowing about your iPad mini’s eligibility for an upgrade can save money in the long term, as it increases the longevity of the iPad.
Since its launch in 2013, the 2nd generation iPad mini proved to be a better version than its predecessor, thanks to the improved features. It supported iOS 7 during its launch, but Apple has released up to six iPad generations so far, each better than the last. Therefore, can the iPad mini 2 be updated?
Fortunately, there is an update for the iPad mini 2 despite it being a second-generation tablet. The last available version is the iOS 12.5.5, which launched in September 2021. Currently, the tablet supports six upgrade versions, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
The company officially stopped updating the gadget when the iOS 13 came out, mainly since the mini 2 used an A7 chip. This firmware was not compatible with updates that the more powerful tablets could accommodate. As a result, you cannot update your mini 2 to iOS 13 or 14.
The iPad mini 2 had impressive features, unlike the 1st tablet generation. However, Apple halted further releases in 2017 to pave the way for more powerful devices from versions three to six. Finally, when the iOS 13 launched, the mini 2 updates officially stopped coming, with September 23rd, 2021 marking the release of the last support for the 2nd generation tablet.
The device now only receives point security upgrades. The only limitation was the A7 chip that could not support major tweaks. It made it challenging to support iOS 13 or 14 since it lacked adequate power levels. Only an Apple A8X chip or better can accommodate the higher update version.
iPad mini 2’s internal hardware doesn’t have the minimum RAM or CPU requirements to handle the latest iOS. The developers observed that the system would not be compatible with versions 13 and 14 due to these technicalities. Generally, the mini 2 supports six systems, from iOS 7 to 12, and the tablet is the first of its kind to contain this many variations and entirely support them.
Additionally, it also pioneered the 64-bit capability, unlike its predecessor that was 32-bit. Even the company declared that it was one of the best tablets of the release year. However, if you need a tablet that runs the most recent iPad iOS, your only option may be to buy a new model from Apple or get a refurbished one from the company.
Can the iPad Mini Update To iOS 10?
Tech growth in the modern world is so fast-paced that companies in the space have to level up to keep up. iPads, for instance, run on operating systems that have to change to improve their capabilities, explaining why users often rush to make updates. The iPad iOS 10 is one of the most recent versions, and you may wonder whether your mini supports it.
The 1st generation of iPad mini won’t run on any iOS older than 9 because it operates on a less demanding processor, the A5. Thus, its firmware is below the minimum requirements for iOS 10.
Luckily, the iPad mini 2nd generation has a better processor, an A7, compatible with the iOS 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Lastly, subsequent iPad minis up to the sixth generation can conveniently run the iOS 10 up to the latest versions.
Other than the original iPad with more strict limitations, you can update the 2nd mini version from iOS 7 to 12, thanks to its powerful A7 processor. The 3rd generation mini is quite similar to mini 2, but it is an iOS 8. On the other hand, the 4th mini iPad can also accommodate iOS 9 to 15 since it runs on a current CPU A8.
Next, iPad mini model 5 supports iOS 12 and 15 while running on an A12 processor. The recently manufactured 6th iPad mini version is the most advanced device with a much better A15 processor, ideally for iOS 15. Once you are certain that your tablet can upgrade to iOS 10, you can kick start the update procedure. The steps are pretty straightforward.
It will take only a couple of minutes as long as you have all the requirements. It also helps that you can configure the system to update to the current OS automatically. From the software update window, there is an automatic key. When you switch it on, the computer will install the new iOS provided that you connect to Wi-Fi and have enough power.
Can the iPad Mini First Generation Be Updated?
Updating a device’s software is essential for its smooth running. Developers usually release upgrades to newer versions to help counter vulnerabilities that may compromise the gadget’s functioning. Therefore, considering how old the iPad mini first generation is, can it be updated?
You can update your iPad mini but with some limitations. Its last iPadOS versions are iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6 for cellular-supported iPads, making it challenging to upgrade your device to the coveted iOS 10 or above.
As a result, you will only access an operating system that other users would consider outdated. Moreover, Apple dropped the A5 processor and introduced better versions for the new machines for almost eight years.
The developers wanted to keep up and launch more advanced processors for superior modern machines. The newer OSs are 64bits, unlike the older iOS 9.3.5, which operates on a 32bit processor.
The original mini iPad runs on a completely different version with special hardware that doesn’t meet advanced iOS requirements. Thus, the tablet will fail to function as the present generation models.
It is advisable to acquire a new device instead to keep up with the rapidly changing systems. On the contrary, other users prefer jailbreaking the gadget to bypass all the Apple restrictions, which is illegal, risky, and hardly effective.
However, versions older than 9.3.5 have better chances of success. The disadvantages aside, modding your iPad comes with benefits like customizing your tablet and downloading other apps besides the default ones.
Unfortunately, you still risk losing your warranty, and it may open channels for numerous bugs in your system. The iPad manufacturer is also eliminating older applications from the Apple store.
Therefore, you’ll find it challenging to download and install certain applications on your device. However, if you can do without the incredible features from new models, then your 1st gen mini iPad can still serve you, although you will have to make some compromises.
Why You Cannot Update Your iPad Mini
Now that you have confirmed that your iPad has the updates you need, you may be one of the users that still have issues with successfully updating their gadgets. It is necessary to tell you the common reasons for this to help you solve them.
The main reason why the iPad Mini cannot be updated can be down to update errors, primarily occuring when an Apple iPad Mini is not compatible with the version it is being upgraded to. In this case, it would help to confirm whether the update exists first.
Secondly, the process may fail if you lack sufficient space to accommodate the new OS. As such, the only option is to free up space by deleting and backing up some data. Lastly, you may have upgrading challenges if you have a low battery or cannot connect to a stable network.
The most probable reason behind your iPad’s update issues is its obsoleteness. Your gadget will only upgrade if it matches the version you need. Apple usually launches a series of devices that suit the latest OS.
Consequently, it gradually seizes sending updates to the older models that cannot handle the demands of the latest iPad iOS. Therefore, it is common to find yourself on the losing end if you don’t have the latest iPad generation.
For instance, the first iPad model lost official support at version 9 while the 2nd to the 6th can get upgrades beyond version 12. If your iPad has failed to update, it is best to check its compatibility with the upgrade. On the contrary, if you are certain that your tablet isn’t obsolete, other factors may prevent the download. One overlooked reason is inadequate space.
In most cases, your iPad may not give you an option to download unless you free up more room. The system will show an error until you make space for the update. Generally, it may demand up to 3GB to efficiently remove the old OS and replace it with the upgrade. Therefore, it would help to erase some files that you don’t need, like apps that you can later reinstall.
Alternatively, you can save your data to a secondary device like a PC then retrieve them later. You may also have issues with making updates if you have a low battery. It will be hectic to try updating your tablet if it has low power, even less than 50 percent. This case is fairly easier to solve since you can always connect it to your PC or an adapter. To be safe, it is best to power it overnight and connect to Wi-Fi.
How To Fix an iPad That Won’t Update
It may be tough trying to make something work but failing each time, especially when everything seems okay. If you are confident that your iPad should be updating but see an error text instead, this last segment is for you. Here are the most effective ways that can jump-start the downloading process.
Before anything else, you can try restarting the application or tablet to try to fix an iPad that won’t update. Alternatively, you can delete the app, then install a new one or reset all the settings on the iPad. If the bug, persists it is advisable to restart the router or log in and out of your Apple ID.
Another brilliant remedy is to create more storage space in your gadget by deleting data that you don’t need. Finally, it would help to reset the iPad. However, before you try any of these strategies, ensure that you create a backup on iCloud where you can retrieve all the information you lose during reset.
It may be challenging to establish why your iPad is stalling downloading a new iOS when nothing is wrong with the system. As long as your device can handle the update, you may have to try other means to make it work.
A slow process may indicate a faulty internet connection, and in such cases, you can restart the Wi-Fi router to get a stable network. The massive update may also lower the download speed.
Delayed authentication is another reason for failure to upgrade. It means that it is challenging to communicate with Apple’s server to get the software update. Here, you may sign out and sign back into your account later to fix the issue. To sign out, you’ll go to settings, username, and select “sign out,” but to log in, you will open settings and choose “sign in to your iPad”.
You can get rid of most bugs by troubleshooting the gadget for which the update will continue downloading if it was timed out. If this method fails, you can also restart the application by tapping it severally to see if it runs. Otherwise, you can reset the iPad or wipe off some data and back them up to easily access them.
Last Take
Updating your device is the surest way to receive security updates, extra features and do away with bugs present in the previous OS. It is Apple’s strategy to keep its users safe and improve their experiences.
Thus all their iPad models have updates. While you can update the first generation of iPad mini up to version 9, the mini 2 can upgrade from iPad iOS 7 all through to 12. On the other hand, the later models have better systems, and some can go as far as version 15.
The key is to have sufficient space and battery, and stable Wi-Fi. To be sure, you can always set your gadget to make automatic updates whenever Apple releases them.
