Upgrade Unveiled: iPadOS 18 Now Available, Resolving Earlier Tablet Bricking Issue
In the world of technology, updates are a constant, and Apple is no exception. However, the recent releases of iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11.1 have been met with a few challenges.
On August 12, 2025, Apple re-released the iPadOS 18 update, following its initial withdrawal due to issues with the M4 iPad Pros. Yet, some M4 iPad Pro owners have reported their tablets shutting down and being unable to restart after updating. Apple has not publicly acknowledged these issues or responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, the 18.0.1 patch for iPadOS 18 has been made available for download, but it does not mention the bricking issue. Apple Store staff have advised affected owners to replace their $1,000 iPads, according to some reports.
The iPadOS 18 update also brings a new feature: the ability to erase unwanted elements of a Safari page, including ads. However, the update for HomePod, initially released as 18.1 beta 2, has caused HomePod Minis to shut down and refuse to restart after installation. MacRumors confirmed that Apple pulled the 18.1 beta 2 update for HomePod. As of writing, the update is still unavailable.
The watchOS 11.1 beta 3 update has also faced troubles. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris reported on Twitter that Apple Watches locked up after rebooting following the update. Apple pulled watchOS 11.1 beta 3 earlier this week, and as of writing, the update is still unavailable.
Despite these issues, no reports of problems with the iPadOS 18.0.1 update have been seen as of now. It's worth noting that Apple Intelligence, a feature expected to be included in iPadOS 18, is not available in the current version, but is expected in the upcoming iPadOS 18.1 and iOS 18.1.
Reddit users have reported that the watchOS 11.1 beta 3 update was back over two weeks after Apple pulled it. However, the return of the update and its potential resolution of the locking issue remain to be seen.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges that come with it. Apple's latest updates have faced some hurdles, but the company is working to address these issues and provide a seamless user experience for its customers.
