my ipad wont update to iOS 18. What do i do?

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models)iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only)iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)

64-bit devices

iPad Air1*iPad mini2 and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8.3

iPad5iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation) - iPadOS 16.7.10

iPad6iPad Pro (10.5"/12.9" 2nd generation) - iPadOS 17.7

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 18.0.1 (17.7 optional)

• iPad Pro 13" (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later + M4)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later + M2)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installedthese support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhoneiPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhoneiPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhoneiPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do soyou will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhoneiPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhoneiPador iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your ownthat of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternativelythe technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installedensure this has been removed from your iPad - asotherwiseinstallation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available updateits battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarlythe iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

Wellyou have asked us to guess which iPad model you have as well as its current iPadOS version.

The likely answer is your iPad is too old to accept iPadOS 18.

If that’s not the answerthen we would also need to knowin addition to the information abovewhat you triedwhat you sawwhat workedwhat failederror message contentsetc.

If your iPad is too old to support iOS 18then you won't get any of the new featuresand any app that requires iOS 18 will not run. Other than thatnothing will happen. Your iPad will continue to work just the way it did before iOS 18 was released.

Regards.

HARESTYLIST wrote:

Any security issues?

While your iPad may not be capable of update to iPadOS 18.xApple will almost certainly continue with point security updates for devices that cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 17.x. The same remains true for iPadOS 15.x and 16.x at this time.

At some point in the futureperhaps a year or two hencesecurity updates for major security issues affecting iPadOS 17.x will eventually cease - while updates for older versions will end much sooner.

As suchyou might reasonably consider your iPad as having begun its "twilight" period of support.