A Rough Rollout for Apple's iPadOS 18
Apple has long been lauded for its seamless software updates, but the recent release of iPadOS 18 has been anything but smooth. After initial reports of bricked M4 iPad Pros, Apple had to pull the update, leaving many users with non-functional devices. Now, more than two weeks later, the iPadOS 18 update has finally been re-released—but not without some lasting concerns. Alongside issues with iPads, users of Apple Watch and HomePod Mini have also experienced device malfunctions following recent software updates, painting a less-than-ideal picture of Apple's latest OS rollout.
This article delves into the challenges faced by Apple users, the updates on the software patches, and whether it's safe for users to update their devices now.
M4 iPad Pros Face Major Issues with iPadOS 18
Some owners reported that the update process froze halfway through, leaving their iPads in an unusable state. In these cases, users were left with no option but to visit their nearest Apple Store for a solution. Unfortunately, most were told their devices had to be sent back for a replacement, meaning a lengthy wait for the restoration of their $1,000 tablets.
Apple quickly acknowledged the issue and pulled the iPadOS 18 update just hours after its initial release. A short statement to MacRumors confirmed the decision but offered little in the way of explanation. Some users who successfully updated their devices reported no issues, while others found themselves in the midst of a frustrating ordeal.
The Return of iPadOS 18: What’s Changed?
Late on Thursday, October 3, users on Reddit noticed that the iPadOS 18 update had quietly returned, this time as version 18.0.1. Apple made no mention of the previous bricking issues in the update’s patch notes. Instead, the release notes repeated the same language used for the initial 18.0 update, leaving users in the dark about whether the problems had been fully resolved.
Many are cautiously optimistic, as early reports indicate the 18.0.1 update has not yet caused widespread problems. However, it's important to note that this patch has only been live for less than 24 hours as of the time of writing. For users who had already updated to iPadOS 18 via the previous beta version, the transition seems to be smooth. However, many of those who experienced issues were reportedly upgrading directly from iPadOS 17.7, leading some to speculate that the problems may have been related to that specific transition.
Gizmodo tested the update on an M4 iPad Pro that had previously been running the beta version of iPadOS 18 and experienced no issues. That said, the short time frame since the update’s re-release means that users should proceed with caution when deciding whether to install the latest version.
New Features of iPadOS 18: What to Look Forward To
Despite the early issues, iPadOS 18 offers several exciting features for iPad Pro owners. Among the standout improvements is the new Math Notes feature, which allows users to write out equations by hand directly onto their tablet. This feature uses handwriting recognition to convert written math problems into digital text, making it easier to solve equations on the fly. However, users with less-than-perfect handwriting may find it a bit finicky.
Another improvement in iPadOS 18 is Safari’s enhanced web browsing experience. The update includes a useful tool that allows users to erase unwanted elements from a webpage, such as ads and distractions, leading to a cleaner and more streamlined browsing experience.
Unfortunately, if you're looking forward to Apple's new "Intelligence" features outside of beta, you may have to wait a little longer. Apple Intelligence, which includes predictive text and machine learning enhancements, is expected to debut officially with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 later this month.
Apple Watch and HomePod Mini Users Also Experience Issues
It wasn’t just iPad users who faced trouble with Apple's latest updates. Owners of the Apple Watch and HomePod Mini also encountered issues with recent beta software releases.
Apple Watch users who updated to the watchOS 11.1 beta 3 found that their devices locked up after rebooting. These users reported that their Apple Watches became unresponsive following the update, prompting Apple to quickly pull the beta from its site. As of now, the watchOS 11.1 beta 3 remains unavailable, and Apple has yet to provide a new version for users to test.
Similarly, HomePod Mini owners updating to the 18.1 beta 2 faced problems with their devices shutting down and refusing to restart after installation. Reports from both Reddit and MacRumors confirmed that Apple removed the HomePod Mini beta update shortly after these issues surfaced. At the time of writing, the beta patch is still unavailable, leaving HomePod users waiting for a fix.
What’s Next for Apple’s Software Updates?
While Apple’s quick response to the bricking issues is commendable, the company’s lack of transparency about the root cause of these problems has left some users feeling uneasy. With iPadOS 18.0.1 now available, users can attempt the update again, but caution is advised—especially for those upgrading from iPadOS 17.7.
For now, Apple Watch and HomePod Mini users will have to wait for a resolution, as the problematic beta versions remain offline. With iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 expected later this month, Apple will likely introduce further refinements and improvements to the software.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
Apple’s rollout of its latest operating system updates has been marred by serious issues, most notably the bricking of M4 iPad Pro devices. The re-release of iPadOS 18 as version 18.0.1 may have resolved the problem, but users should be aware that it’s still early days, and some risks remain.
Apple Watch and HomePod Mini owners, too, should keep an eye out for future software updates that address the issues experienced with their devices. As with any new update, it's best to proceed with caution, back up your devices, and keep an ear out for any further developments from Apple.
Keywords: iPadOS 18, M4 iPad Pro, Apple Watch issues, HomePod Mini problems, iPadOS update, Apple software updates, iOS 18.1, iPad bricking, Apple OS issues, Apple device problems, technology updates,
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