The iPad (5th generation) has identifiers listed on this site's main iPad guide, but its final build is not stated anywhere on IPSW.io. Here is exactly which iPadOS version it tops out at.
For the identifier system used across every iPad, see iPad Firmware: IPSW Downloads for Every iPad Model. For the generations that followed, see iPad 6 & iPad 7 Firmware. You can browse every model from the iPad firmware page.
Direct Answer: The iPad (5th generation), released in 2017, tops out at iPadOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392) on both identifiers, iPad6,11 (Wi-Fi) and iPad6,12 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
iPad (5th Generation) Model Identifiers
| Model identifier | A-Number | Configuration | Final iPadOS | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad6,11 | A1822 | Wi-Fi | iPadOS 16.7.16 (20H392) | iPad6,11 firmware |
| iPad6,12 | A1823 | Wi-Fi + Cellular | iPadOS 16.7.16 (20H392) | iPad6,12 firmware |
Confirm your identifier at Settings → General → About → Model Number. Both configurations share the same final build — there's no split by radio configuration here.
Why the iPad (5th Generation) Stops at iPadOS 16
The iPad (5th generation) shipped in 2017 with an A9 chip — the same chip family as the iPhone 6s. Apple's minimum hardware requirements for iPadOS 17 excluded the A9, so iPadOS 16.7.16 is a permanent ceiling. The device sits between the 4th-generation iPad (2012, A6X) and the 6th-generation iPad (2018, A10 Fusion), and its plain "iPad" naming with no generation number printed on the device makes it easy to confuse with either neighbor unless you check the model identifier.
What EOL Means for the iPad (5th Generation)
- No 32-bit problem: the A9 is a 64-bit chip. The practical limitation is that current apps increasingly require iPadOS versions above 16, not an architecture restriction.
- Security patching ended: iPadOS 16.7.16 was the final release for this device. No further updates followed.
- Realistic use case: a restored iPad (5th generation) remains capable for Safari, Mail, and most productivity apps; the limit is apps with higher minimum-version requirements.
Currently Signed Build (Verify Live)
Because the iPad (5th generation) reached end-of-life, iPadOS 16.7.16 has remained the only signed option across both identifiers for years and is unlikely to change. Confirm current status on your identifier's device page before restoring — see how to check IPSW signing status.
Restoring an iPad (5th Generation) Using an IPSW File
- Back up any data you need — restoring erases the device.
- Download the IPSW matching your exact identifier (iPad6,11 or iPad6,12). Confirm it is signed.
- Disable Find My iPad: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPad → Off.
- Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC via Lightning cable.
- Open Finder (recent macOS), Apple Devices, or iTunes and select the iPad.
- Hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows), click Restore iPad, and select the downloaded IPSW file.
If the device gets stuck during restore, see Boot Loop Fix: Recover Without Losing Data for DFU-mode recovery steps — the same DFU process applies to iPad.
For the full range of iPad models and their identifiers, see iPad Firmware: IPSW Downloads for Every iPad Model. For the generations that followed, see iPad 6 & iPad 7 Firmware. You can also browse every model from the iPad firmware page.
FAQ
What is the last iPadOS version for the iPad (5th generation)?
iPadOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392), the same final build across both identifiers: iPad6,11 (Wi-Fi) and iPad6,12 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
Can I install iPadOS 17 on the iPad (5th generation)?
No. The A9 chip in the iPad (5th generation) is not supported by iPadOS 17 or any later version. This is a permanent hardware limitation.
Does the iPad (5th generation) have a 32-bit app problem?
No. The A9 is a 64-bit chip. The practical limitation is that current apps require iPadOS versions above 16, not an architecture restriction.
How do I tell the iPad (5th generation) apart from other plain "iPad" models?
Check Settings → General → About → Model Number and match it to iPad6,11 or iPad6,12. The device itself has no generation number printed on it, and it looks similar to the 4th- and 6th-generation models.
What is my iPad's model identifier?
Check Settings → General → About → Model Number. The iPad (5th generation) is iPad6,11 (Wi-Fi) or iPad6,12 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
