Apple Halts iPadOS 18 Rollout for M4 iPad Pro Due to Bricking Issues

Apple has recently come under fire after temporarily halting the rollout of iPadOS 18 for the M4 iPad Pro due to a critical issue causing devices to brick. Early adopters of the M4-powered iPad Pro, who eagerly upgraded to the latest software version, have reported that the update caused their devices to become unresponsive, rendering them unusable. This unexpected setback has raised concerns among Apple’s user base, particularly given the company’s reputation for seamless software updates and reliable hardware performance.

In this article, I will go into the details of this issue, Apple’s response, and what it means for both current and future iPad Pro users.

The iPadOS 18 Bricking Issue: What Happened?

 

The rollout of iPadOS 18 was highly anticipated, particularly for its new features optimized for the powerful M4 chip in the latest iPad Pro models. The update promised to bring enhanced multitasking capabilities, improved widget functionalities, and better integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, shortly after the release, users of the M4 iPad Pro began reporting that the update was causing their devices to freeze during installation, leaving them stuck on the Apple logo screen with no way to restart or recover the device.

What is Bricking?

 

In technical terms, a device becomes “bricked” when it’s rendered unusable after a software update or failure, essentially turning it into a “brick.” This means that the device cannot be powered on or function normally, often requiring a full system recovery or, in severe cases, hardware replacement. The bricking of the M4 iPad Pro with iPadOS 18 has sparked widespread frustration, especially since many users had no way to predict or prevent the issue.

User Reports and Apple’s Response

 

Users flooded social media platforms and Apple support forums with complaints, sharing their experiences of being unable to restore their iPads even after attempting standard recovery procedures like DFU mode (Device Firmware Update) or iTunes restores. In response, Apple quickly acknowledged the issue and took the drastic step of halting the iPadOS 18 rollout for M4 iPad Pro devices.

 

Apple’s official statement emphasized that the problem appears to be specific to the M4-powered models, and that the company is actively investigating the root cause. For now, Apple has advised users who have already downloaded iPadOS 18 but not yet installed it to hold off until a patch is released. Affected users are being directed to Apple support centers for assistance, with many needing professional help to restore their devices.

What Features Were Expected with iPadOS 18?

 

While the bricking issue has overshadowed the launch, iPadOS 18 was set to introduce several highly anticipated features, particularly for power users of the M4 iPad Pro. Some of these features included,

Enhanced Multitasking

iPadOS 18 aimed to improve multitasking by offering more intuitive controls for Split View, Stage Manager, and Slide Over, making it easier for users to juggle multiple apps on the iPad’s expansive screen.

Desktop-Class Widgets

Widgets on the home screen were expected to get a major overhaul, offering more interaction options, similar to those on macOS. This change was especially useful for those using the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement.

Expanded Apple Pencil Functionality

With iPadOS 18, the Apple Pencil was set to gain new features, including more seamless handwriting to text conversion, and enhanced integration with Notes and other creative apps.

Improved App Performance

The M4 chip was supposed to make iPadOS 18 run smoother than ever, with faster app launching times and better overall system performance.

Unfortunately, these updates will have to wait until Apple resolves the bricking issue, leaving many users unable to access these improvements.

How Does This Affect iPad Pro Users?

 

The bricking problem with iPad OS 18 is particularly concerning for Apple because the iPad Pro is positioned as a high performance device used by professionals, students, and creatives. Many users depend on the iPad Pro for daily productivity, and having their device bricked by a software update can disrupt work and creative projects.

This situation also affects Apple’s reputation for reliability. Although the company has always emphasized the rigorous testing that goes into its software releases, this bricking issue highlights that even major tech companies are not immune to unexpected problems during large scale updates.

Short-Term Solutions for Affected Users

 

For users whose devices are already bricked, Apple has recommended visiting an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for assistance. However, given the widespread nature of the issue, service centers may be overwhelmed with requests.

In the meantime, users are advised not to attempt further software installations or updates until Apple provides a fix. If your iPad is not yet bricked but you’ve downloaded iPad OS 18, refrain from installing it to avoid potential issues.

Apple’s Next Steps

 

Apple is currently working on a patch that will address the bricking problem. It’s expected that the company will thoroughly test this patch before re-releasing iPad OS 18 for the M4 iPad Pro to ensure that no additional problems arise. However, it is unclear how long this process will take, as the company has yet to announce a specific timeline for the rollout of the fixed version.

Could This Impact Future Software Updates?

 

This bricking issue raises questions about the future of Apple’s software updates. While Apple generally has a good track record with major iOS and iPad OS releases, this incident serves as a reminder that even tech giants can encounter hiccups. It may lead Apple to become more cautious with future rollouts, especially for devices powered by new chipsets like the M4.

The incident also highlights the importance of user feedback and rapid response to emerging issues. Apple’s decision to halt the update shows that the company is taking the situation seriously, but it also underscores the risk inherent in early adoption of new software.

A Bump in the Road for iPad Pro

 

Apple’s decision to halt the iPad OS 18 rollout for the M4 iPad Pro due to bricking issues is a significant, albeit temporary, setback for both the company and its users. While the M4-powered iPad Pro is designed to offer cutting-edge performance, the software issue has caused frustration among early adopters, many of whom rely on their devices for work and creative endeavors.

 

However, given Apple’s track record, it’s likely that the company will resolve the issue swiftly and reintroduce the update with the necessary fixes. For now, users should avoid installing iPad OS 18 until Apple has addressed the problem and confirmed that it is safe to proceed.

 

As Apple works through this issue, the focus remains on how quickly the company can restore faith in its update process while ensuring that the M4 iPad Pro reaches its full potential without further disruptions.