Trying to update my iPad to the latest iPadOS

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:

32-bit devices

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)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.6

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.1

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.1.1

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (5th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

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 Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows 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.

I have iPad Pro (11-inch) 4th Generation, which I just purchased from Apple about a month ago. I last was able to update to iPad OS 16.1.1. I was able to update my iPhone to iOS 16.1.2. about a week or so ago. Has iPad OS been updated to 16.1.2 yet? Usually, Apple releases both at the same time. I appreciate everyone's help on this. :-)

May not going to happen.

If you have/own a 2014 iPad Air 2, the 2014 iPad Air 2 is at the end of Apple's full support life at iPadOS 15.7.1.

The internal hardware in that iPad is no longer sufficiently powerful enough to support/run all of the newest features of iPadOS 16.

Sorry.

That stated, third party app support will still continue for another 2-3 years, or so, until ALL third party app support will, eventually, come to its end.

So, you can keep using your 2014 iPad Air 2 for another 2-3 before considering another new iPad model.

That is a total of 10-11 years of device support.

Best of Luck to You!

Based on the tags on your post, it appears that you have an iPad Air 2. This device does not support iPadOS 16 or later.