WobblyGoblin wrote:
Yes same issue 8th gen iPad 32 gig factory. When connected to a laptop it shows I am current at version 18.7.1
I can’t get the last two updates even when connected to a laptop it shows I am current. I have offloaded and deleted everything possible and still only have 13 gig which is not enough for the update.
Regrettably, you are always going to struggle with an iPad that has so little internal storage. The 32/64GB devices are primarily intended for use in Educational settings, or in environments where the ability to store local data on the device is not required. Should you replace your iPad, or choose something else entirely, you would be well advised to carefully consider your local storage needs prior to purchase.
It is generally recommended that you maintain at least 4-6GB of free space at all times - as your iPad needs some temporary space to complete many tasks. When performing system software updates, you may temporarily require more available storage...
The required space, to perform an OTA update, is typically double the stated space for the installed update; after the update is successfully completed, temporary files are automatically deleted - returning free space.
If your internal storage is full, or is insufficient for the task that you need to perform, your only option is to better manage the storage that you have - and delete unused Apps or unneeded data.
Per my previous reply to this thread - where I describe various strategies to update a device with limited available storage to perform the update, there is a failsafe method to update your iPad.
Using a Mac computer or Windows PC can help with system software updates - as the update package is initially downloaded to the computer, unpacked and verified by the computer, prior to the computer installing the updated system software on the target device.
As is, a workable remedy for your situation is to first ensure that you have either an iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad - and then completely erase the iPad. With no user-data present, you should be able to update the iPad; once updated, you can restore your backup with all your data a device settings to the iPad.
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
Erase all content and settings:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings
After the reset, set-up the iPad with your AppleID - but do not restore the backup. Perform the system software update using whichever method works for you.
Finally, restore the backup to your iPad:
Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support
Local Storage Considerations
Returning to your problem of insufficient local storage - whichever iPad model you ultimately choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device.
Choosing a model with minimal internal storage is frequently a false economy; if you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have. This observation is often equally applicable to other manufacturers devices.
A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any device with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.
Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device.
