**Apple Suspends iPadOS 18 Deployment for M4 iPad Pros Due to Bricking Problems**
Apple has put a temporary stop to the deployment of the iPadOS 18 update for its M4 iPad Pro models, following feedback regarding the update causing some devices to become “bricked.” The company has ceased signing the update for these specific iPads, signifying that users will be unable to download or install the update, and Apple’s servers will not activate it if installed via other methods.
### The Situation at Hand
The choice to pause the update rollout arises after various users reported that their M4 iPad Pros became non-functional after installing iPadOS 18. Based on anecdotal evidence from users on platforms like [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/iPadOS/comments/1figlrs/ipados_18_bricked_my_m4_ipad/) and the [MacRumors forums](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-pulls-ipados-18-for-m4-ipad-pro-after-bricking-complaints.2436726/), some devices became unusable post-update, whereas others successfully installed it without any problems.
Apple confirmed to *Ars Technica* that it had “temporarily removed” the update to “address an issue that is affecting a small number of devices.” The company is reportedly providing hardware replacements for impacted users, indicating that the problem may be more serious than a standard software bug. Typically, users can recover from a failed software update by entering recovery mode or Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode, but this option seems ineffective for some users facing the bricking issue.
### Possible Explanations
One theory circulating among users is that this issue may be connected to the upgrade route from iPadOS 17.7 to iPadOS 18.0. Some affected users mentioned installing the iPadOS 17.7 update prior to upgrading to iPadOS 18.0. The 17.7 update, largely functioning as a security patch for those not ready to transition to iPadOS 18, might not have undergone as rigorous testing in conjunction with the new update as the 17.6 to 18.0 upgrade path.
While the precise origin of the bricking issue remains uncertain, Apple is actively working to fix the problem. For the time being, M4 iPad Pro users who have yet to upgrade must wait for a new iteration of iPadOS 18 or for Apple to determine whether the concern is hardware-related.
### Recommendations for M4 iPad Pro Users
If you possess an M4 iPad Pro and haven’t installed iPadOS 18, it’s advisable to wait until Apple rolls out a fix. In the interim, Apple continues to sign the iPadOS 17.7 update, which incorporates critical security patches. Users are encouraged to update to this version to keep their devices protected while awaiting a resolution to the iPadOS 18 issues.
For those who have already installed iPadOS 18 without facing any problems, no immediate action is necessary. However, if your device has been rendered unusable by the update, Apple is providing hardware replacements, implying that the issue could be more severe than a normal software defect.
### iPadOS 18 Still Accessible for Other Devices
It’s crucial to highlight that the iPadOS 18 update has not been withdrawn for all iPads. The update remains available for other models, including the M2 iPad Air, and users of these devices have not reported extensive issues similar to those affecting the M4 iPad Pro.
### Final Thoughts
Apple’s move to pause the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pros emphasizes the company’s dedication to maintaining a smooth user experience, even if it necessitates the temporary suspension of a significant software release. While the bricking issue seems to be impacting only a limited number of devices, the seriousness of the matter has led Apple to act promptly, including offering hardware replacements to affected users.
M4 iPad Pro owners should stay patient as Apple seeks to rectify the issue. Meanwhile, installing the iPadOS 17.7 update will provide the latest security measures while users wait for a reliable version of iPadOS 18. As always, it’s prudent to back up your device before applying any major software updates to prevent potential data loss.
*This article has been updated with a statement from Apple.*
