How to upgrade iOS software on iPad Air 1st Generation?

If you purchased your iPad Air 1st Generation when it was released in 2016, it was running on the latest version of iOS 7.0.3.

But after you have used your iPad for sometime, newer versions of iOS become available. You should consider upgrade the iOS on your iPad to enjoy new features of iOS.

Another reason to upgrade the iOS is that apps on your iPad may stop working on older iOS and require to upgrade to newer iOS.

Note that iOS upgrade is referred as Software Update on your iPad.

To perform an iOS upgrade, your should follow these steps:

1. Backup your iPad to iCloud Drive: Settings > Search 'Backup'.

2. Check for available iOS upgrade/update: Settings > Search 'Update'.

3. Perform iOS upgrade/update over Wi-Fi connection: Settings > Search 'Update'. This is for smaller upgrade gaps.

4. Perform iOS upgrade/update through iTunes on a remote PC. This is needed if your upgrade gap is too big,

5. Review settings of the new iOS on your iPad.

6. Review apps on your iPad. They may need to be upgraded to use the new iOS.

7. Enjoy the new iOS on your iPad.

Note that due to hardware limitations, iPad Air 1st Generation can only be upgraded to iOS 12.5.7 released in 2023.

⇒ iOS 9 to 12 Upgrade on iPad over Wi-Fi

⇐ iPad Air 1st Generation - Specification

⇑ iPad Air 1st Generation

⇑⇑ Apple iPad - Frequently Asked Questions