# iPadOS 18 Launch: A Disaster for M4 iPad Pro Owners
On Monday, Apple officially launched iPadOS 18 for the public, an eagerly awaited update that promised numerous features and improvements. However, for some M4 iPad Pro owners, the experience has devolved into a frustrating nightmare. Reports indicate that numerous iPads have become nonfunctional—effectively “bricked”—after the update installation, leading Apple to temporarily retract iPadOS 18 for the impacted models.
## M4 iPad Pro Rendered Inoperable After Installing iPadOS 18
As reported by tech news site 9to5Mac, the over-the-air (OTA) update for iPadOS 18 is no longer accessible for this year’s iPad Pro models featuring the M4 chip. Apple has also stopped signing the IPSW files required to revert the M4 iPad Pro to its prior firmware version. Consequently, users who attempted the update and faced complications find themselves with limited recovery options.
Numerous users have resorted to platforms such as Reddit and Apple’s Discussion Forums to recount their experiences. Many describe that their iPads simply ceased to operate following the initiation of the update process. One individual recalled that their device powered down halfway through the installation and has not restarted since. Efforts to restore the device using a computer have proven unsuccessful, leaving users feeling exasperated.
One impacted individual detailed their experience at an Apple Store, stating, “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.” This illustrates the inconvenience and uncertainty many users are enduring as they await resolutions from Apple.
## Apple’s Reaction and Future Considerations
Although Apple has not yet publicly acknowledged the dilemma, the choice to withdraw iPadOS 18 for the M4 iPad Pro models signifies that the company is cognizant of the issue and is taking measures to lessen further repercussions. The absence of similar reports from other devices suggests that the problem might be confined to the M4 chip models.
The newly launched iPadOS 18 update introduced multiple intriguing features, such as a redesigned Home Screen with customizable icons, Math Notes, Smart Script handwriting, live audio transcription, and the Calculator app—now on iPad for the first time. Moreover, a new Game Mode was unveiled, aimed at enhancing gaming experiences on the device. However, these new features are overshadowed by the serious challenges encountered by M4 iPad Pro owners.
## Conclusion
The deployment of iPadOS 18 has been marred by serious problems for M4 iPad Pro users, resulting in devices becoming unusable post-update. As Apple strives to resolve the situation, affected users find themselves in limbo, waiting for solutions or replacements. If you successfully installed iPadOS 18 without any issues, your experience may contrast markedly with those grappling with this distressing situation.
For those impacted, it is recommended to monitor official communications from Apple regarding potential fixes or updates. As always, users are encouraged to regularly back up their devices to prevent data loss during such unexpected events.
Have you encountered any problems with iPadOS 18? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments section below.
*Source: [MacRumors](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/17/apple-pulls-ipados-18-m4-ipad-pro/)*
