Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly stopped allowing access to the iPadOS 18 upgrade for the M3 iPad Pro. A bug apparently bricked some tablets during the installation process for the new version.
The problem only affects the iPad Pro M4. And if you already made it through the update process, there seems nothing to worry about.
iPadOS 18 vs. M4 iPad Pro
Apple introduced iPadOS 18 on Monday after three months of beta testing. Nevertheless, it didn’t go well for some unfortunately tablet users.
“iPadOS 18 bricked my M4 iPad,” said an unhappy Reddit user a few hours after the OS upgrade arrived. “At some point during the update my iPad turned off, and would no longer turn on.” They took the unit to an Apple store who confirmed that the unit is bricked — locked up to the point where it can’t be rebooted, even by a technician.
There are similar complaints on Reddit from other users.
Apparently there were enough reports of the problem for Apple to stop offering the version of the iPadOS 18 upgrade to those with an M4 iPad Pro.
A limited problem
M4 iPad Pro launched in spring 2024, and is available in 11- and 13-inch versions. It’s these devices that should not install iPadOS 18 — though at this point they should not have the option. So far, they’ve been no indications that this issue affects any other iPad model.
And those who’ve already successfully installed iPadOS 18 on their M4 iPad Pro shouldn’t be concerned. The final version has been in testing for over a week and there have been no reports of it suddenly bricking tablets.