Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this community
I have an iPad 2 that is currently running iOS 5.0.1. I'm generally happy with it but some applications require a more recent iOS version. So I started to look into upgrading it, but the only upgrade that it offers is to iOS 7.
From the look of it I don't like the new design of iOS 7 too much and also upgrading to a version this fresh doesn't appeal to me. So my question is: is there a way to upgrade to some version of iOS 5.x or iOS 6.x instead of upgrading to iOS 7?
Currently, no, your only option is to upgrade to iOS 7. This is because Apple is no longer signing iOS 6 and the firmware signing status for iPad 2 shows iOS 7 as the only signed version.
You probably want to check out this website, which has all past iOS updates. Scroll down and click the iPad 2 model you have (Wifi, GSM, CDMA). Then, simply choose the iOS you want (probably 6.1.3). It will download an .ipsw file.
Then, in iTunes, plug in your iPad. Now, here's the important part: Press Option/Shift while clicking the Check for Update button. A dialog box should open up, and you should navigate to the .ipsw file and then click it. Similarly, if, for some reason, you want to restore your iPad and update, press Option/Shift while clicking the Restore button.
.ipsw file for an infinite amount of users.
Sep 22, 2013 at 4:12
Settings > General > About > Modem Firmware.Also, what is the model of your iPad? Look at the back of your iPad. Down towards the center bottom you’ll see the word iPad, and below it the amount of storage space it has (16,32, or 64GB). Below that you’ll see some fine print about the iPad. The first line begins with ‘Designed by Apple in California.’ At the end of that line you’ll see ‘Model’ and a 5 character model number beginning with the letter ‘A’. For example, my iPad is Model A1430 – an iPad 3rd gen 64GB WiFi + Cellular model.