By Leanne Hays
Updated 10/14/2024
What to Know
- Apple's September 2024 software update to the iPad is called iPadOS 18.
- iPadOS 18 is now available to download.
- iPadOS 18 has made some changes, adding Smart Script and the Calculator app.
Jump To:
Which iPads Are Compatible with iPadOS 18
System Requirements
A lot of people want to know if their old iPad can download and install iPadOS 18. In order to update to iPadOS 18, you will need to have one of the following devices:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
How Do You Update Your iPad to iPadOS 18?
Follow the steps below to complete your iPad software update.
- Back up your device to iCloud or to your Mac.
- Plug your device into power and make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings app.
![tap the settings app to update ipados 18 on ipad]( "tap the settings app to update ipados 17 on ipad")
- Tap General.
![tap general to update ipad to ipados 18]( "tap general to update ipad to ipados 17")
- Select Software Update.
![tap software update to see what ipad software updates are available]( "tap software update to see what ipad software updates are available")
- Tap Upgrade to iPadOS 18. If your iPad already has the most current software, you will see a message noting your iPad is up to date.
![tap upgrade to ios 18]( "tap upgrade to ios 18")
- Tap Update Now.
![tap update now to update to ipados 18]( "tap update now to update to ipados 18")
- Enter your passcode.
![enter passcode to get ipados update]( "enter passcode to get ipados update")
- Tap Agree to accept the Terms and Conditions.
![tap agree to agree to apple terms and conditions]( "tap agree to agree to apple terms and conditions")
- Tap Agree again.
![tap agree again]( "tap agree again")
- You'll see a progress bar showing your iPadOS update progress.
![ipados 18 update progress bar]( "ipados 18 update progress bar")
- You'll see a notification that your iPad is verifying the update. Your iPad will then reboot, and your iPad software update is complete!
![ipad verifying update ipados 18]( "ipad verifying update ipados 18")
By now, your iPad should be updated to Apple's latest iPad software, iPadOS 18. Be sure to check back with us at iPhone Life for all your Apple hardware and software questions! Check out our free Tip of the Day for more great iPad tutorials.
FAQ
- Should I Update to iPadOS 18? It's beneficial to update your iPad to iPadOS18 to get important security updates. Also, you don't want to miss out on the new features that come with iPadOS 18.
- How Do I Update an Old iPad to iPadOS 18? Unfortunately, if it's not one of the models mentioned above, you won't be able to update your old iPad to iPadOS 18. For older iPad models that are compatible with iPadOS 18, just make sure to follow the steps in the previous section of this article.
- Why Won't My iPad Update to iPadOS 18? Your iPad may be too old for the new software. Your iPad software update may have failed due to lack of storage; remove apps and other content you don't use from your iPad. Be sure to connect to the internet before proceeding with the update.
