How do I update my operating system on an old iPad? When click on update it tells me I'm current with IOS 10.6

Whether or not you are able to update any iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.6

Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 15.7

If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, it may be too far behind the current version to be updated directly from iPad settings. In such circumstances you will likely need to use a computer to perform the update. You will need access to either a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

If it says youre current with 10.6 then that may be as far as you can update. All iDevices max out and cannot be updated any further (for example my mini 4 will not be eligible for iPadOS16 next month)

what is your model number? (Not serial number but model number)

There is no such thing as iOS 10.6. iOS 10’s last update was 10.3.3 or 10.3.4 for cellular iPads.

If you are running iOS 10.3.3 or 10.3.4 then you have an iPad 4 from 2013. It cannot be updated beyond that, as its hardware is too old to support anything newer.

There isn't an iOS 10.6.

If you mean 9.3.6, 10.3.4, or 12.5.6, it's at the current version for that model. Most units running 9.3.5 and 10.3.3 also fall into this category.

If you mean 15.7, the iPad version of 16 won't be out until October.

Otherwise, open Settings, remove the beta profile, and restart the unit.

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