I have ipadpro 12.9 inch 1st generation. I have tried to install iOS26 but have noticed that my device hasn't actually updated from iOS16. Nothing happens when I try Settings >Software Update although the options show.
I think my device is compatible as a friend has successfully updated his.
I have tried deleting apps etc to increase storage.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: ipadpro not updating software.
iPad Pro, iPadOS 16
Your first generation iPad Pro 12.9" cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 16.x - the most recent update for your iPad being iPadOS 16.7.12. If you wish to benefit from iPadOS 26 and more recent Apps than your current iPad is capable of support, your only option is to replace it with a much newer or current model iPad.
As of 15 September 2025, 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 (obsolete)
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 12.5.7
iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.5
iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.12
iPad6, iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7.10
iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7
(*) obsolete
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 26, or optionally if running iPadOS 18.x to iPadOS 18.7
iPad Pro not updating to iPadOS 26
