Upgrade to iPadOS 26 not available for my iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
I have an iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) and it's saying I'm up-to-date at iPadOS 18.7.3. Why am I not able to update to iPadOS 26?
iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
Question marked as
Your 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) 100% compatible with iPadOS 26. Here are the most likely reasons why the new version isn't showing up and how to fix them:
1. The "Also Available" Section (Most Common)
Apple often splits the Software Update screen to give you choices. It will tell you that your current iPadOS 18 branch is fully up to date with the latest security patches (which is why you see 18.7.3) at the very top of the screen.
- The Fix: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the screen. Look for a section labeled "Also Available". You should see the option to Upgrade to iPadOS 26 waiting for you there
2. Work or School Restrictions (MDM Profiles)
If your iPad was issued by an employer or a school or if you have work email profiles installed they might be using Mobile Device Management (MDM). IT administrators often block major OS upgrades until they can verify that all their internal apps work on the new architecture of iPadOS 26.
- The Fix: Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If there's a management profile installed, you may have to wait for your IT department to approve the update.
3. Beta Update Settings
If you previously tinkered with beta updates, your iPad might still be pointed toward the wrong update channel, preventing the official iPadOS 26 release from appearing.
- The Fix: Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and ensure it is set to Off.
Often times restarting the iPad will fix the issue. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/101603