Key Points
- After reports of bricked devices, Apple has paused the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models.
- Some users reported their iPads became unresponsive during the update, requiring service or replacement.
- Apple confirmed the issue and is working on a solution but has not provided a specific timeline for a fix.
- Apple has now halted the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro until the issue is resolved.
Apple has temporarily stopped the rollout of iPadOS 18 for its M4 iPad Pro models after reports emerged that the update was making some devices unusable. The issue came to light on Reddit, where several users reported that their iPads had been “bricked” — a term used when a device becomes unresponsive and inoperable.
Apple confirmed the problem by 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 company is actively working on a fix, although it has not provided a specific timeline for when the update will be made available again.
A Reddit user, tcorey23, described their experience, “At some point during the update, my iPad turned off and would no longer turn on.” When they took their device to an Apple Store, staff confirmed that it was completely bricked and that, despite having AppleCare, the iPad had to be sent to Apple engineers before they could receive a replacement.
Another user, Lisegot, faced similar issues but encountered additional delays as the Apple Store they visited didn’t have a replacement in stock. They were told to wait five to seven days for a new device, with no clear acknowledgment that the update caused the problem.
Bricking due to a software update is rare, and ArsTechnica noted that most iPads can be placed in recovery mode if something goes wrong during an update. However, this bug seems to have affected recovery options as well. Apple has now halted the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models, advising owners to wait until the issue is resolved. It remains unclear when a fixed version of the update will be available.
