Updating apps that require a newer version of IOS

Question

I've decided to hold of on updating my iPad until the WiFi/4.2.1 issues are worked out. Since then I've ran into an issue with two apps that required 4.2 or higher. No big deal there. They download then don't install, and when I connect to iTunes, it says my IOS needs to be updated for the app.
My question is when you go into the update page of the App Store on the iPad, does it only show updates in which you are able to install the update on your running version of IOS? I was hoping it would allow me to "click" the app that it says there is an update for, but that doesn't work. So far I've searched for the app again to check it's requirements. Works but time-consuming.
Basically, I don't want to update something then it go "this version requires a newer IOS." and then it just leave me without my app. I'm not sure if that's how it would behave, but I don't want something to happen with one of the apps I use regularly.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Here's the thing... I work in IT. There's a reason why a good admin doesn't turn on "Automatic Updates" because sometimes updates don't work. Perhaps the issues with WiFi are only a batch of iPads, perhaps it's only with certain routers, or perhaps it's trolls. I don't know... but until I'm satisfied with the results people are getting with the update OR I have no choice, I'm not updating. There's no dishonor in waiting for a patch if it is not critical and you can get by without it for the time being. Right now, there's too much uncertainty for me to make my iPad an expensive way to play Angry Birds. If I can't connect to the Internet with it, it's not very useful to me.
If and when an app needs an update that doesn't work with 3.2.2, it just won't get updated. If I get to that point where I have to update, I'll cross my fingers and go for it.
That said, if someone has an answer to my question about the apps and their behavior in the Update portion of the App Store, that would be great.