What to Know

Apple's September 2026 software update for the iPad is called iPadOS 27.
iPadOS 27 is now available to download.
iPadOS 27 has made some changes, adding Siri AI, improved parental controls, and more.

Are you ready for the new iPad update? Apple's latest software for iPad is here, and it brings a variety of exciting new features. Read on to find out how to update your iPad.

Which iPads Are Compatible with iPadOS 27

System Requirements

A lot of people want to know if their old iPad can download and install iPadOS 27. In order to update to iPadOS 27, you will need to have one of the following devices:

iPad 9th generation
iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad mini (A17 Pro)
iPad (10th generation)
iPad (A16)
iPad Air (4th generation)
iPad Air (5th generation)
iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Note: Apple Intelligence features will only work on the iPad Pro (M1 and later), iPad Air (M1 and later), and iPad mini (A17 Pro)

How Do You Update Your iPad to iPadOS 27?

Follow the steps below to complete your iPad software update. Here's how to get iPadOS 27:

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 General, then tap Software Update.
Tap Update Now.
Enter your passcode and tap Agree to accept the Terms and Conditions.
Tap Agree again.
You'll see that the update has been requested, then a progress bar showing your iPadOS update progress.
You'll see a notification that your iPad is verifying the update. After your iPad updates, your iPad will reboot, and your iPad software update is complete!

That's how to update iPadOS on iPad. By now, your iPad should be updated to Apple's latest iPad software, iPadOS 27. 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 27? It's beneficial to update your iPad to iPadOS 27 to get important security updates. Also, you don't want to miss out on the new features that come with iPadOS 27.
How Do I Update an Old iPad to iPadOS 27? Unfortunately, if it's not one of the models mentioned above, you won't be able to update your old iPad to iPadOS 27. For older iPad models that are compatible with iPadOS 27, just make sure to follow the steps in the previous section of this article.
Why Won't My iPad Update to iPadOS 27? If your iPad won't update, it 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.