I have an old first-generation iPad Air that I'd like to keep using for watching videos and reading. Apps such as YouTube say the iPad needs a system update, but the update appears to require iTunes. I connected the iPad to an older MacBook Pro and a newer Windows PC, yet neither iTunes nor Apple Devices recognizes it. I also tried several older iTunes versions without success. What's the best way to update it, and is it possible that the iPad has reached the newest version it can support?
1 Answer
On a newer Windows computer, Apple Devices is the current replacement for iTunes and should normally let you update the iPad. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, updates are handled through Finder instead of iTunes. However, the first-generation iPad Air can only go up to iOS 12.5.8, so it may already be at its final supported version. If Apple Devices still doesn’t detect it, try a different Lightning cable, USB port, or another trusted computer, since the connection itself may be the issue.
The Mac is very old and unreliable, and the newer Windows PC still doesn’t show the iPad in Apple Devices. I’ll check the cable and USB connection, but I’m also wondering whether it may already be stuck at its maximum supported iOS version.