iPad Mini A17 Pro/6th Gen 8.3 iOS 18.7 won't update on iTunes

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iPad Mini A17 Pro/6th Gen 8.3 iOS 18.7 won't update on iTunes

New iPad Mini A17 Pro/6th Gen 8.3 came with ios 18.7. A few weeks earlier I was forced into getting an iPhone 17 when Apple did not have another replacement battery for my iPhone SE 1st gen that I already replaced at the store in late 2022. Apparently I got old stock and Apple claims their batteries have no date and that they don't sell old stock. The New 17 had ios 26.1 (total disaster, could not get internet on 4g) which was successfully updated to 26.2 on iTunes PC 12.13.9.1. I did the first backup of the iPad to iTunes and was expecting to be offered 26.2 but the message says it's on the latest, 18.7x.

Since this iPad will only be used to control a telescope and read the paper, watch a technical video, etc and needs to have the most battery time I can get in the field with the telescope would I be better off just keeping it on ios 18 or is Apple going to not do security updates? My old SE was still getting security updates on 15.8.5.

Thanks

iPad mini

Posted on Jan 17, 2026 2:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,468 points

Jan 17, 2026 3:42 PM in response to MikezZ1

Your iPad6 is capable of update to iPadOS 17.7.x, the most recent release being iPadOS 17.7.10. Be aware that your iPad6 fundamentally does not support iPadOS 26 or later.

By contrast, your iPad mini A17 Pro does support iPadOS 26 - at the time of writing, the most release is iPadOS 26.2. Similarly, your iPhone 17 also supports iOS 26.2.

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 installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) 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

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

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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.

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Answer 2

Rudegar

Level 10

180,570 points

Jan 17, 2026 3:01 PM in response to MikezZ1

??

do you have a tech question?

these forums are user helping other users like yourself, it's sort of going

to a physical apple store and asking other customers their advice

This is a user helping users with tech questions forum, we are not apple

and apple do not read your posts here

Get Support (apple.com)

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

Or

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 3

MikezZ1 Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 17, 2026 7:14 PM in response to MikezZ1

Thanks for the information.

When we bought this in December it was supposedly the latest iPad Mini but the description given is in the title of the post. iOS 26.2 is showing available through settings, general, software update on the iPad. It does not show in iTunes PC. My phone came with iOS 26.1 and maybe that's why iTunes offered the 26.2 update.

My model number is MXPN3LL/A, A2995, model identifier iPad16,2 from about.

I prefer to use a cabled connection to do updates as it is faster and I don't trust the internet wifi connection not getting dropped. I saw that others had problems with iPhones not wanting to update from iOS 17 to 18 etc on a Mac or PC and the solution might be to use recover mode with iTunes.

I don't care about liquid glass and some of the other new AI features that will use up more battery. As long as there are security updates I can stay on 18.7.3 if that's possible.

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