UPDATE: Apple has released this statement: “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.”
Apple has stopped signing the iPadOS 18 update for the M4 iPad Pro, after some users reported that the update bricked their devices. The software is no longer available for download and installation to M4 iPad Pro owners at this time.
Reports are being seen on Reddit (via MacRumors) from iPad Pro owners who experienced an interruption in the iOS 18 installation process, leading to a bricked iPad Pro that refused to power back on.
Reddit user tcorey23:
I have the M4 13 Pro. I had two updates for my iPad today, first I installed iOS 17 something with no issues then I immediately tried to install iOS 18. At some point during the update my iPad turned off, and would no longer turn on. I walked away during the update so I’m not sure when it broke. I tried all of the reset options but nothing worked. I just took it to the Apple Store who confirmed it’s completely bricked, but they said they had to send it out to their engineers before they can give me a replacement even though I have Apple care.
Just wanted to let others know they may want to hold off on applying the iOS 18 update. I haven’t seen any other post about this yet.
The iPad was always babied since I got it a couple of months ago. It’s never been around water, and I’ve never dropped it. I always kept it in a silicone case. I’m new to the Apple world but I’ve never had a device Android or Windows completely brick during a factory update and not be able to reset it. Was the new calculator app just too much for the M4 chip to handle?
While several users report that their M4 iPad Pro was bricked by the iOS 18 update, not all M4 iPad Pro owners report having had an issue installing the update, leading some to theorize that it is possibly linked to installing the new iOS 17.7 update before installing iOS 18. Apple will re-release the software when the problem has been determined and remedied.