How to update iPad 2 beyond version iPadOS 15.8.8?

An iPad2 cannot be updated beyond iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular).

With iPadOS 15.8.8 installed, you instead have either an iPad Air2 or iPad mini4 - this being the final release for these devices. Neither can be updated to iPadOS 16 or later.

For information, 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 12.5.8

iPad Air2*, iPad mini4* - iPadOS 15.8.8

iPad5*, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.16

iPad6, iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation*, iPad Pro 10.5" - iPadOS 17.7.11

iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7.10

iPad8, iPad Air3, iPad mini5, iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11" (1st generation) - iPadOS 26.7.1

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 27.0.1 - or optionally iPadOS 26.7.1

• iPad Pro 13" (M4/M5)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (2nd generation and later + M4/M5)
• iPad Air (4th generation and later + M2/M3/M4)
• iPad (9th generation and later + A16)
• iPad mini (6th generation and later + A17 Pro)

No. That device is 10+ years old and cannot be upgraded.

Hoping someone would reply to my question. My IPad 2 is about 10 years old. It is stalled at version 15.8.8. Is it possible to upgrade this version?

Bummer... thank you for that update...

FYI, an iPad 2 is closer to 15 years old.

Congrats on taking good care of your device(s). 👏

Source:

Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

Nice detective work.