Is it Possible? Updating Your iPad 2 in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The iPad 2, a tablet that once revolutionized mobile computing, might be gathering dust in a drawer. While newer models boast cutting-edge features, many users still cherish their older devices. The big question, however, is: can you update an iPad 2 in 2024? The short answer is, unfortunately, no, not to any new operating systems. The iPad 2’s hardware is simply too old to support modern iOS or iPadOS versions. This article will explain why and what your options are, if you’re determined to breathe a bit of life back into your beloved relic.

Why Can’t I Update My iPad 2 to the Latest iPadOS?

The primary reason you cannot update your iPad 2 is hardware incompatibility. Here’s a breakdown:

• Processor: The iPad 2 is powered by Apple’s A5 chip. This processor, while powerful in its day, is significantly less capable than the processors in today’s iPads. Newer operating systems require significantly more processing power to run smoothly. They include features like advanced multitasking, graphics-intensive games, and complex machine learning algorithms that the A5 chip simply cannot handle.
• RAM: The iPad 2 has a relatively small amount of RAM (512MB). Modern iPadOS versions require significantly more RAM to manage multiple apps and background processes. The lack of adequate RAM would result in sluggish performance and app crashes.
• Operating System Support: Apple provides operating system updates for several years to ensure users have access to new features and security enhancements. However, there comes a point when hardware limitations and the cost of supporting older devices mean that an older device is no longer supported. The iPad 2’s final supported operating system was iOS 9.3.5 (or iOS 9.3.6 for some models). There is no supported method to update past this point.
• Security Concerns: Running an outdated operating system leaves your device vulnerable to security threats. Apple no longer provides security updates for iOS 9, meaning vulnerabilities may have been discovered without a means to patch them, making your device potentially susceptible to malware or privacy breaches.

What Is the Latest iOS Version Supported by iPad 2?

The iPad 2’s final operating system was iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 depending on your specific model). If your iPad 2 is running anything below this, then you should be able to update to 9.3.5 or 9.3.6.

How to Update Your iPad 2 to iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6)

If your iPad 2 is running a version of iOS before 9.3.5, here’s how to try and update it. It is essential to have a strong and stable internet connection as the update will require downloading system files.

Step-by-step instructions for updating the OS:

1. Ensure your iPad is charged: Connect your iPad to a power source before starting the update process. It is crucial that your device remains powered for the entire update to prevent any potential issues.
2. Back up your iPad: Before performing any update it is recommended to back up the device to avoid losing any data, in the event the update fails. Unfortunately, iCloud backups for devices running iOS 9.3.5 might not be fully compatible with more recent iOS versions. However, it is still a good idea to back up your iPad 2 to your computer using iTunes (or the macOS Finder). To do this:
• Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable.
• If you are using a PC, open iTunes. If you are using a Mac, open the Finder.
• Select your iPad when it appears in the side panel.
• Click “Back Up Now.”
• Wait for the backup to complete. This may take some time depending on the amount of data you have.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Avoid using cellular data for updates, as it is less reliable, and may incur charges depending on the type of plan you have.
4. Open Settings: On your iPad’s home screen, tap the “Settings” app icon (gear icon).
5. Tap “General”: In the settings menu, find and tap “General.”
6. Tap “Software Update”: In the General menu, find and tap on “Software Update”. This will bring you to the software update screen.
7. Check for updates: Your iPad will automatically search for available updates. If your iPad is eligible to be updated to 9.3.5 or 9.3.6, you will see the update listed and available for download. If the screen informs you that your system is up-to-date then you’re on the most current software that your device supports.
8. Download and Install: If an update is available tap on “Download and Install”. Your iPad will download the update to your device. Once the download is completed your iPad will prompt you to install it. Tap on “Install” to proceed. This process may take some time and your iPad will restart.
9. Wait for the Update to Complete: The iPad will restart a few times during the installation process. Please be patient. Once it has completed booting, the software update process is complete and your iPad should be running 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6).
10. Verify the Update: After the update is complete, go back to “Settings” > “General” > “About”. Check the “Version” number. It should say 9.3.5 or 9.3.6. If it does then the update is successful.

Troubleshooting Steps

If the update process does not go smoothly, here are some troubleshooting tips.

• Restart Your iPad: Try restarting your iPad. Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears, then turn it back on.
• Check Your Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and that you have an internet connection. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.
• Free Up Storage: Ensure there’s enough free storage space on your iPad. You may need to delete old apps or unwanted files if there isn’t sufficient free space. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage to manage your storage.
• Restore to factory settings: If the update fails multiple times, and you have already backed up your device, you can try restoring the iPad to its factory settings and starting the update process from scratch. To do this navigate to: “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Erase All Content and Settings”. This will erase all data from your device so it is extremely important to have a back up before doing this step.
• Update via iTunes/Finder: If your iPad will not update through the “software update” setting, you can try to update through iTunes or Finder on your computer. Connect your iPad to your computer, and open either iTunes (on a PC) or Finder (on a Mac). Select your iPad when it appears in the sidebar. Click “Check for Update” under the “General” tab. This will check for updates and if there is an available update it will download and install it.

Why Updating Won’t Make Your iPad 2 Run Like New

Even if you manage to update to the latest supported iOS version (9.3.5 or 9.3.6), don’t expect a completely transformed experience. The iPad 2’s processor and RAM are still the limiting factors. Here are the main challenges you’ll encounter:

• Limited App Support: Many of the latest apps on the App Store are not compatible with iOS 9.3.5. Developers are constantly releasing software versions that require more modern processing capabilities. You may find it difficult or impossible to install newer versions of your favourite apps on your device.
• Sluggish Performance: While iOS 9 is the last supported operating system for the iPad 2, it’s still a relatively old operating system. You may find that the device feels slow and unresponsive.
• Battery Degradation: The battery in your iPad 2 is likely quite old, so expect its performance to be significantly reduced compared to a newer device. It may not be able to hold a charge for very long.
• Limited Browser Functionality: Modern web browsers require more processing power and more current coding to run properly. Browsing the internet on a device using iOS 9 may be a frustrating experience because some websites might be slow, or even completely unusable.

What Can You Still Do With Your iPad 2?

Even if it cannot run modern software, there are still some things you can do with your iPad 2:

• Simple E-Reader: Use it to read e-books using compatible apps such as the “iBooks” app. This is a good way to put it to use without stressing the dated hardware.
• Digital Photo Frame: Load photos onto the iPad and display them. This is a simple way to recycle the device as a picture frame.
• Music Player: Store music on it and use it as a basic music player with headphones, or connect it to a Bluetooth speaker.
• Offline Entertainment: Load movies or shows onto the device and enjoy them without requiring an internet connection.
• Retro Gaming: You can still enjoy some of the older games available on the app store, and even revisit some of the classic titles that you enjoyed when the device was new.
• Basic Educational Tool: You might be able to use it for some basic educational purposes, depending on the availability of compatible apps.

Conclusion

While updating your iPad 2 to the latest iPadOS is not possible due to hardware limitations, you might still be able to update it to its final supported version of iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6). Even with that update, don’t expect a completely new device experience. It will not run as smoothly as a new device with modern hardware. However, even if you can no longer use it for modern apps and features, it can still serve as a basic e-reader, photo frame, or music player. If you need to run modern apps or websites, it is highly advisable to consider replacing it with a more modern device.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to keep your iPad 2 is a personal choice. If you want to keep it as a piece of tech history, then it may be time to dust it off and see what you can still get out of the old tablet. If you need to run modern software, you may need to consider the purchase of a more modern Apple product.