Apple has temporarily halted the distribution of iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro models following user reports that the update rendered their devices inoperable. The company confirmed the issue in a statement to Engadget, stating, “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.”
The problem was initially reported on Reddit, where several M4 iPad Pro users described how their iPads became unusable after attempting to install the latest version of iPadOS. One user, identified as tcorey23, shared, “At some point during the update my iPad turned off and would no longer turn on.” They added that an Apple Store confirmed the device was completely bricked but noted it had to be sent to engineers for further examination before a replacement could be provided, despite having Apple Care coverage.
Another Reddit user, Lisegot, reported that their nearby Apple Store did not have a replacement M4 iPad Pro available, necessitating a five to seven-day wait for a functional device. They also mentioned that the store personnel did not offer apologies and suggested there was no definitive way to determine if the update caused the issue.
Instances of software updates bricking an iPad are uncommon. ArsTechnica, which first covered the story, noted that iPads can usually be recovered through recovery mode if an update fails.
Currently, Apple will not provide iPadOS 18 to M4 iPad Pro owners until the issue is resolved. The timeline for a fix remains uncertain.
