Need ios 26.3+ needed to address critical performance / system freezes on older ipads, e.g. ipad 9

I have an ipad 9 running ios 18 with no problems. Recently, i updated to ios 26.2, and it has major performance and system issues causing my ipad 9 to become sluggish, unresponsive to inputs and sometime it even freezes. This basically renders my ipad unusable ! If i remember correctly, update to ios 26.1 was ok. This all happens after ios 26.2, even after i turn off all performance features like windowed mode, multitasking, reduce motion, backgroun app refresh. On top of that, i still have plenty of storage, 66G and fast internet access. Apple, please help !!!

iPad, iPadOS 26

Posted on Dec 22, 2025 10:45 PM

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4 replies

Dec 23, 2025 6:01 AM in response to gettyng

Post update, you can expect to see lower than usual performance for a few days while the iPad is performing background housekeeping tasks - such as reindexing the iPad's internal storage. Nominal performance should return within a day or two.


If your iPad continues to show poor performance, or is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.



Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.





If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Need ios 26.3+ needed to address critical performance / system freezes on older ipads, e.g. ipad 9

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