iPadOS 18 is bricking some M4 iPad Pros — what you need to know

iPadOS 18
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Following a growing number of complaints from M4 iPad Pro users about iPadOS 18 bricking their tablets, Apple has stopped the rollout of this update to investigate and fix the issue.

It’s never a good time when one of the best tablets on the planet becomes a glorified paperweight, but the Cupertino crew are on the case — putting a halt on OS updates, which doesn’t allow people to install it.

What was happening?

iPad Pro M4

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

According to tcorey23 on Reddit, the iPad turned off during the iPadOS 18 update and no longer turned on. Even all of the reset options didn’t work, and when taking it to the Apple Store, the staff confirmed it was “completely bricked.”

As you can read in the comments under the post, this update problem is not affecting everyone, and the problem could lie in installing the iPadOS 17.7 update first before jumping straight to 18. 

In response, Apple provided a statement to MacRumors: “We have temporarily removed the ‌iPadOS 18‌ update for M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models as we work to resolve an issue that is impacting a small number of devices."

Based on that statement, another reason could be that a specific batch of units may be impacted over others. These tablets aren’t just manufactured in one place — to keep up with demand, components are sourced from many different places and there could be a specific configuration of parts that may have triggered this issue.

When can we expect it back?

This is the big question mark right now, and we have reached out to Apple for comment on this. But if one thing is for sure, the team works fast whenever there is a bug like this. 

So I wouldn’t be surprised if we see iPadOS 18 back live within the week, but all we can do is wait and see.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Jason England
Managing Editor — Computing

Jason brings a decade of tech and gaming journalism experience to his role as a Managing Editor of Computing at Tom's Guide. He has previously written for Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Kotaku, Stuff and BBC Science Focus. In his spare time, you'll find Jason looking for good dogs to pet or thinking about eating pizza if he isn't already.

Read more
iOS 18 home screen customization features
Apple will no longer allow users to downgrade from iOS 18.3 — here’s why
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: What should you buy?
MacBook Pro 2023
MacBook Pro tipped for M5 upgrade ahead of iPad Pro — what we know
iOS 18 Notes
iOS 18.3 beta just arrived — here's what's changed
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 and iPad 11 surprisingly miss out on Apple's C1 modem
Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone
Apple temporarily limits notification summaries in iOS 18.3 update — here's why
Latest in iPads
iPad Air M3 on a windowsill
Quick! Amazon just slashed $40 off the new iPad Air M3 — first ever discount
Concept image of foldable iPad
Apple reportedly has an 18.8-inch foldable iPad prototype with under-display Face ID
iPad Air M3
Apple iPad Air M3 review: The sweet spot just got even sweeter
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 and iPad 11 surprisingly miss out on Apple's C1 modem
iPad Air M3 tablet shown in various colors
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Air M2: What's different?
Apple iPad 11
iPad 11 just announced — here’s what’s new
Latest in News
Disney Plus logo
Disney Plus upgrade just fixed one of my biggest problems with the home page
Tom Hiddleston as Robert Laing in "High Rise" now streaming on Netflix
5 best Netflix movies in March you haven't watched yet
iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence logo for iOS 18.1
iOS 18.4: All the newest Apple Intelligence features coming to your iPhone
Maria Debska in "Just One Look" now streaming on Netflix
3 best Netflix shows in March you haven't watched yet
Split image featuring the Galaxy S25 Edge (left) and Galaxy S25 Ultra (right)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge just tipped for two Galaxy S25 Ultra-level features
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Amazon is giving away a ton of free games for its Big Spring Sale — here’s how to claim yours