Where to download iPadOS 14.8 now that 15 is released

Hey there GaryDDavis,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We understand you’d like to update your iPad to iPadOS 14.8 and not 15. When you go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPad, you should see the option for iPadOS 14.8 there and the option for iPadOS 15 at the bottom. You can read more about updating here:

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Take care.

If your iPad is capable of being updated to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

If using a computer to perform the update, you will need access to a PC (with iTunes installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

You will need to see which iPadOS version is offered to you first.

With the last version of iPadOS 14, Apple has now offered users the choice to download the iPadOS 14.8 security update OR the full iPadOS 15 now.

You can try and use the Software Update feature of iPadOS to see what is offered.

You might not be able to do an a wireless, over the air upgrade/update at this point, though.

Unfortunately, your iPad is too far behind in iPadOS updates.

This is why I did the iPadOS 14.8 security update to all of my family's devices before the launch of iPadOS 15, because of any uncertainty of whether of being able to this 14.8 update, at all, once iPadOS 15 was officially released by Apple.

Being behind in iPadOS updates complicates things, now.

You may need to have access to a full computer, like a Mac or Windows PC, try either using the Finder on a newer Mac that has the newest macOS Catalina installed OR with an older Mac with an older Mac OS, download and install the latest iTunes version ( or latest iTunes for Windows PC ), make sure the Mac or Windows PC is connected to the Internet, connect your iPad by the USB charge cable to the computer and let the iTunes application upgrade/update that iPad model, using the iTunes Software

Update feature, to either iPadOS 14.8 or iPadOS 15.

Since you have not kept up with updates, with having to use a Mac or Windows PC now to do an iPadOS upgrade/update, I am not sure which version of iPadOS will be offered for installation

Make sure your iPad is, at least, charged to 50% or greater to attempt this.

Also, make sure to do a backup of your iPad's data, prior to upgrading/updating.

Backup to Apple iCloud and/or a full Mac or Windows PC using the same iTunes app OR, if a newer Mac running macOS Catalina, or later, making a backup using the macOS Finder app.

If NO access to a Mac or Windows computer, you will have to seek help from a good friend or family member, with a full Mac or Windows PC, to help you out

OR

Search online to locate and call contact your nearest, “local” Apple Store location to try/attempt to make an appointment to get your Apple iPad upgraded/updated to either iPadOS 14.8 OR iPadOS 15.

Apple Store employees will be glad to help/assist you.

Best of Luck to You!