iPad Software Confusion...

[Dreambird]

I thought I would upgrade my iPad to iPadOS 15.1 from iOS 11.4.1 via iTunes rather than the upgrade that shows on the iPad as that's how I've always done it, but I'm confused about the version of software iTunes downloaded for my iPad when I chose the Download Only option rather than doing the whole Down and Install in one step.
According to what I see in my System Info it downloaded iOS 15.1 for iPad Mini 4 (Model A1550) as shown in the screenshot I'll attach here. The download is 5.15GB

My iPad is an iPad Air 2 (Model A1567) according to the info on the back of the iPad. I have upgraded my iTunes to the latest version that I know of for High Sierra... v12.8.3.

The upgrade I am offered in the Settings on my iPad is iPadOS 15.1 at a size of 4GB.

Would I be better to go with what is offered on the iPad than what got downloaded in iTunes? I always thought iTunes would be "smart" enough to download the right software and it does state my device is an iPad Air 2 but I'm not sure the update through iTunes is the right one?

The file as viewed on my computer is:
~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates/iPad_64bit_TouchID_15.1_19B74_Restore.ipsw                                                                                                                         

[Xairbusdriver]

I've found that Apple Support to be great for answering questions about iDevices: eligible models, features supported, etc. There are often direct links for most updates.

[Dreambird]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jim and I have looked all over the site for info. I've definitely found out that my iPad Air 2 complies for iPadOS 15.1 AND so does the iPad Mini 4, however nowhere can I find why the iTunes on my MBP might be trying to download the .ipsw file for iPad Mini 4 for my iPad Air 2. So far as I can tell I have the latest iTunes... v12.8.3 and upon hooking my iPad up to my MBP and opening iTunes it does state that it is an iPad Air 2.

So the upshot of it is that I still don't know if the upgrade that gets downloaded when it tells me there is indeed an upgrade for my iPad Air 2 and I select "download only" is the right file for MY iPad. I haven't found an explanation for the contradictory info in System Information.

It certainly is not referring to the iPhone I have as it is quite old... it's a 4S model and I haven't even hooked it up to my Mac but once to make a backup which I'll probably delete as I really don't need it.

[Xairbusdriver]

I haven't used iTunes for years, it hasn't even been available since June 3, 2019 for modern Mac OS's. Not sure how the "Download Only" procedure benefits anything; and you've already done that anyway. If you are going to install, just do it, as Nike used to say.

If the iPad mini and your iPad Air 2 use the same cpu I suppose the numeric details make any difference; ram is ram, bits are bits, cycles are cycles. Perhaps you would end up with a tiny screen display on the Air?

Life is too short for not trying a few exciting software experiments! You already said you have a backup, if you need a re-install...

[Paddy]

I have never (ever) downloaded an update for an iPad or iPhone via iTunes. Keep it simple - update via the device.

The only reason to ever involve the Mac/iTunes etc. is to back up the i-device locally (and if disaster strikes, to restore it from that backup). Backup before you update, but do your updates from the iPad itself.

[Dreambird]

OK... Thanks so much for the advice, Paddy... I think I may have depended on iTunes too much in the past. I'll do the upgrade via the iPad.

In fact thanks to all of you here for your patience with me!