Why isn't iPadOS 18 available on my brand new iPad 10th gen (2022)?

If your iPad is capable of update 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

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows or more recent Apple Devices App installed) or a Mac computer (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

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

Apple has temporarily paused the availability of iPadOS for iPad Pros with M4 chips, but I have heard of no similar pause for other iPads.

Make sure that your iPad has an Internet connection when you check for the presence of an update. (Run Safari and browse to a Web site to test that.). If it can't talk to Apple's servers to find out that updates exist, that might explain why it thinks none are available.

iPadOS 18 is available for the seventh generation iPad and later.

With iPadOS 17.6.1 installed on your iPad10, you should see iPadOS 17.7 as an available update - and iPadOS 18 as an upgrade:

Settings > General > Software Update

If you only see the update available and not the upgrade, you may need to first update to iPadOS 17.7 - and then upgrade to iPadOS 18. If the update/upgrade is still not visible, perform a forced-restart of your iPad:

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - 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.

While updating/upgrading your iPad, you would be best advised to keep your iPad connected to its Power Adapter through the process.

Weird. And you're sure that it is a tenth gen?

Have you tried to update via a pc yet via above instructions?

You’re very welcome. I’m delighted that you have successfully updated to iPadOS18.