Apple recently released the iPadOS 18 update for the iPad Pro M4, but massive problems emerged shortly after the rollout. Due to serious software bugs that rendered some devices unusable, the company was forced to temporarily withdraw the update. This raises questions about how well Apple tests its new operating system versions and how such problems can be avoided in the future.
Key points:
- iPadOS 18 is causing serious system errors for some iPad Pro M4 users.
- Apple is stopping the rollout to prevent further damage.
- Affected devices are “bricked”, which means that they can no longer be started or operated.
- A fix is expected, but no exact timetable is currently known.
iPadOS 18: An update with problems
The iPadOS 18 update was supposed to bring new functions and optimizations for the latest iPad generation. Users of the powerful iPad Pro M4 in particular were looking forward to improved multitasking functions, more efficient performance and greater stability. However, instead of a smooth user experience, numerous users reported serious problems that occurred shortly after installing the update.
The most prominent problem: some iPad Pro M4 devices were “bricked” by the update, meaning that they became completely unusable. Users reported that their devices would no longer start after the update or were constantly stuck in a bootloop with no way to repair the system. This understandably led to a huge outcry in the community, especially as the iPad Pro M4, as one of Apple’s top models, raised high expectations.
Apple stops the update – A quick response?
In response to the increasing complaints, Apple quickly decided to stop the rollout of iPadOS 18. This is a common practice when serious software errors are detected in order to prevent further damage. But the question remains: How could such a serious bug have been overlooked? After all, every software version goes through an extensive test phase before it is rolled out to the public.
Some experts suspect that the specific hardware architecture of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro may be the cause of the problems. The M4 chip, which is actually known for its high performance and efficiency, could have caused unforeseen conflicts in combination with certain software optimizations. It remains to be seen whether Apple will publish more detailed information on this.
What should affected users do now?
There are currently only a few solutions for users whose devices are affected by the problem. Anyone who has already installed the update and now has an iPad that no longer works should contact Apple Support. Apple is expected to offer affected users either a repair option or replacement devices, but official information on this is still pending. Anyone who has not yet installed the update should wait until Apple provides a bug-free version of iPadOS 18.
There is also speculation that Apple could release a so-called “hotfix” in the next few days to address the bricking issues and make the affected devices functional again. However, this process may take some time as Apple needs to ensure that the fix is fully tested to avoid further problems. Apple users report the bricking problems in detail in the support forum.
Conclusion: An update that causes problems
The withdrawal of iPadOS 18 shows the importance of thorough software testing, especially when it comes to high-end products like the iPad Pro M4. Although software bugs are inevitable, the fact that the update has rendered some devices completely unusable is causing considerable frustration among users. Apple must now not only fix the bug, but also restore customer confidence.
