iPad Recommended IOS version for Ipad air 1st gen

[k1lerbee]

I just bought a 1st gen Ipad air running 7.1.2
I keep reading latest IOS firmware slows down the device.
What is the recommended IOS version for this device and is it possible to upgrade to a specific IOS version?

 

[Freakonomics101]

It definitely has a small amount of lag to it but nowhere near what the 4s is with iOS 9. iOS 12 improved it from iOS 11. Plus with iOS 12 you are able to get more out of the software vs the lack of iPad support with iOS 7. But then again iOS 7 performs better so both have benefits and downfalls.

Forgot to mention app support and security. I don’t know of any apps that support iOS 7 now.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Forgot to mention app support and security. I don’t know of any apps that support iOS 7 now.

Other than some really old ones.

iOS 10 or iOS 12 is where it's at.

 

[OasisNYK]

I have an iPad Air first gen and had to do a system restore because I forgot my password. It’s on iOS 12 now and the lag is noticeable.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Mine is still on 10.3.3. You can’t pick that version as an upgrade target unless you use the latest jailbreak on your device though.