If you’re still holding on to your old iPad, you might be missing out on some of the latest and greatest features that come with iOS 15.
However, updating an old iPad to the latest operating system can seem daunting, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
But fear not, updating your old iPad is easier than you think.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of updating your old iPad to iOS 15, so you can take advantage of all the new features and improvements that come with it.
iOS 15
iOS 15 is the fifteenth major release of Apple’s mobile operating system for its iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices.
It was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2021 and is expected to be released to the public in fall 2022.
iOS 15 comes with several new features and improvements, including;
1. FaceTime improvements
iOS 15 brings a redesigned FaceTime interface with support for spatial audio, background noise reduction, and portrait mode.
It also introduces SharePlay, which allows users to share music and movies during FaceTime calls.
2. Focus
This feature allows users to set custom modes that filter notifications and apps based on their current activity, such as work or personal time.
3. Live Text
With Live Text, users can select and interact with text in photos, such as copying and pasting, searching, and translating.
4. Apple Maps
Apple Maps now features a redesigned interface with more detailed maps, 3D landmarks, and improved navigation features.
5. Safari
Safari has been redesigned with a new tab bar at the bottom of the screen, improved tab management, and support for extensions on iOS.
6. Privacy enhancements
iOS 15 introduces several new privacy features, including App Privacy Reports, which provide users with information about how apps are using their data.
It also introduced Mail Privacy Protection which blocks tracking pixels in emails.
How to update an old iPad to iOS 15
The ability to update an iPad to iOS 15 will depend on the model of the device.
Only certain models of iPads are compatible with the latest version of iOS.
Here are the steps to check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 15 and how to update it.
- Check compatibility. The following models are compatible with iOS 15;
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- Before updating your iPad, it’s a good idea to back up your device in case something goes wrong during the update process. You can back up your iPad to iCloud or to your computer using iTunes.
- Make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. You won’t be able to update your iPad if you’re not connected to the internet.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap on General > Software Update > Download and Install. Follow the prompts to complete the update.
- Once the update is complete, your iPad will restart. You should now be running the latest version of iOS 15.
Why is my iPad not updating to iOS 15?
If your iPad is not updating to iOS 15, here are a few things you can try.
1. Compatibility
Check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 15.
Not all iPad models can update to iOS 15.
The compatible models are iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation).
Others are iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 9.7-inch and iPad (9th generation).
They also include iPad (8th generation), iPad (7th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (4th generation) and iPad Air (3rd generation).
2. Storage
Make sure your iPad has enough storage space.
iOS updates can be large and require a lot of storage space.
If your iPad doesn’t have enough storage space, you won’t be able to update to iOS 15.
You can free up storage space by deleting unused apps or files, or by moving them to iCloud or an external storage device.
3. Connect to a WiFi network
Try connecting your iPad to a Wi-Fi network.
iOS updates can’t be downloaded over cellular data, so make sure your iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
4. Restart your iPad
Sometimes, restarting your iPad can fix issues that are preventing the update from installing.
5. App updates
Check if there are any pending app updates.
Sometimes, an app update can prevent your iPad from updating to iOS 15.
Go to the App Store and check if there are any app updates pending.
If there are, update them and then try updating to iOS 15 again.
6. iTunes
Try updating your iPad using iTunes.
Connect your iPad to your computer and open iTunes.
Select your iPad in iTunes, and then click the Check for Update button.
If an update is available, click the Download and Update button to start the update process.
FAQ
Is it possible to update an old iPad to iOS 15?
Yes, some older iPad models can be updated to iOS 15, but not all of them.
Check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 15.
How do I check if my iPad is compatible with iOS 15?
To check if your iPad is compatible with iOS 15, go to the Settings app, tap on General, and then tap on About.
Look for the model number and compare it to the list of compatible devices provided by Apple.
What should I do before updating my iPad to iOS 15?
Before updating your iPad to iOS 15, you should back up your device, so that you don’t lose any important data in case something goes wrong during the update process.
You can back up your iPad using iCloud or your computer.
How do I update my iPad to iOS 15?
To update your iPad to iOS 15, go to the Settings app, tap on General, and then tap on Software Update.
If an update is available, you will see an option to download and install it.
How much space do I need to update my iPad to iOS 15?
The amount of space you need to update your iPad to iOS 15 depends on the size of the update and the amount of available storage on your device.
Generally, you will need at least 5-10 GB of free space on your iPad to update to iOS 15.
How long does it take to update an iPad to iOS 15?
The time it takes to update an iPad to iOS 15 depends on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the update.
Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more to download and install the update.
What should I do if my iPad fails to update to iOS 15?
If your iPad fails to update to iOS 15, try restarting your device and then attempting the update again.
If that doesn’t work, you can try updating your iPad using iTunes on your computer, or contacting Apple support for assistance.