I have an iPad 1 that is currently showing software updated at version 5.1.1. Is it possible to update to iOS version 7 on this device? My goal is to get Garage Band on this device and the app store is telling me I need iOS version 7.

Question

I have an iPad 1 that is currently showing software updated at version 5.1.1.  Is it possible to update to iOS version 7 on this device?  My goal is to get Garage Band on this device and the app store is telling me I need iOS version 7.

Answer 1

Hi,
If you really need to upgrade you can save a bit of money and get an older version than the ipad Air.
First, you can sell your ipad 1 to places like gazelle.com, cashforyourmac.com, sellyour mac.com, or many others out there. The sites I listed give you cash. At this point gazelle.com is giving $70.00 for any ipad 1 in 'good' condition. And cashforyourmac will give you $25.00 over what gazelle.com or sellyourmac.com offers you. Shipping is free.
Then, with that money, go the the Apple online certified refurbished store. As an example, a new 64gb Air costs $699.00. A refurbed 4th gen 64gb costs $529.00 and a 3rd gen 64gb costs $499.00. Personally, I'd skip the 3rd gen. So if you buy a 4th gen 64gb at $529.00 minus what you can get from a sale to above, you can get an ipad 4 64gb for just over $430.00, a savings of savings of about $270.00. (A new 32gb Air is $599.00, a 4th gen 32gb is $449.00, and a 3rd gen 32gb is not on the site right now.) Google it and check if you can get better offers anywhere else. But getting one from the Apple refurb store gives you an essentially new ipad and using the above sites, you're not locked in with a particular site which will give you a gift card and restrict you to their store/site.
Each Apple refurbished ipad (any version) comes with a new front and back cover, a brand new battery, same return policy, and a full one year warranty with 90 days of phone support. Each comes in a white box like a new ipad with the wall charger and usb cable. The only difference is that it says in small print on the bottom of the box that it is Apple certified refurbished. Also, if you buy refurbs, be sure to check the store many times a day. They can come and go quickly, so when you see what you want, buy it right away. Shipping is free and pretty fast. (We bought two a year and a half ago and they have been great!)
Hope this helps.