Apple Finally Releases iPadOS 18 Update After Bricked Tablets SNAFU

Apple’s latest batch of OS update wasn’t what you would call a smooth launch. The long-awaited iPadOS 18 patch caused an unknown issue with some of the latest M4 iPad Pro models, shutting them down and forcing owners to make a hasty trek to the Apple Store. Now the update is back, and iPad Pro owners can download it now, if they so dare.

With a single sentence statement to MacRumors, Apple killed the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pros shortly after launch on Sept. 17. Some users noted their tablets updated to the latest patch without an issue. Others, however, found that the update stopped halfway through, shut down their tablets and keeping them from restarting. Owners reported going to the Apple Store for a fix, but they were told Apple would need to send out for a replacement for their $1,000 iPad.

Late on Thursday, iPad owners on Reddit first noted the update was back more than two weeks after Apple pulled the update. The new 18.0.1 patch doesn’t mention the bricking issue at all, instead repeating the language used for the initial 18.0 update.

Gizmodo did not have any issue updating our M4 iPad Pro to iPadOS 18 off the previous iPadOS 18 beta. Some owners speculated the original issue was from those who updated from iPadOS 17.7 to the latest version. However, Apple has not yet publicly mentioned anything regarding issues with the update, nor has it responded to Gizmodo’s requests for comment. We have not yet seen any reports noting issues with iPadOS 18.0.1, though it’s only been less than 24 hours since the patch dropped, as of writing.

We have enjoyed iPadOS 18 for the most part. The ability to write out equations with Math Notes is fun, though finicky for those who lack immaculate handwriting. We’re also chuffed about improvements to Safari, including the ability to erase unwanted elements of a page, such as ads. If you were hoping to see Apple Intelligence for the first time outside of beta, you’ll likely have to wait until later this month for iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1.

Apple’s other devices on the official update seem to be working fine, for the most part. However, Apple Watch users who decided to try out the watchOS 11.1 beta 3 found their wearables would lock up after rebooting. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris first reported on Twitter that Apple pulled watchOS 11.1 beta 3 earlier this week. The update is still unavailable.

Additionally, HomePod users have reported issues updating to 18.1 beta 2. Some users reported their HomePod Minis shut down and wouldn’t restart after installing the beta patch. Perris and MacRumors confirmed Apple pulled the beta patch. As of writing, the beta 2 update is still unavailable.