Problems downloading and installing to new iPad Air

I would agree that a trip to the Apple Store may be the best solution after already reading through the usual troubleshooting steps. As long as the device was purchased from Apple, remember that you have 14 days to return it for a full refund, and that would be the approach I would take instead of going through an AppleCare repair if that is what they suggest after an evaluation where the issues are not resolved.

The only thing I can add are the basic tips that you have probably already tried:

• The update download issue would appear to be a networking issue, so I would Reset the Network settings as detailed in this Support Article and if you have a VPN that was restored from your prior iPad update, remove it. Turning a VPN off may not be enough to resolve a networking issue and it would need to be removed to test.

If you can't connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

• For the charging issue on the Apple Pencil Pro, forget its Bluetooth connection and pair it again. If you installed a case, remove it to test and leave the Apple Pencil attached to the iPad for 30 minutes in case its battery is completely dead.

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

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. If enabled, ensure that Low Power Mode is turned OFF.

Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by the iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

For information here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the various models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

iPad Air1*, iPad mini2* and iPad mini3* - iOS 12.5.8

iPad Air2*, iPad mini4* - iPadOS 15.8.8

iPad5*, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" 1st generation)* - iPadOS 16.7.16

iPad6, iPad Pro 12.9" 2nd generation*, iPad Pro 10.5" - iPadOS 17.7.11

iPad7 - iPadOS 18.7.10

iPad8, iPad Air3, iPad mini5, iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11" (1st generation) - iPadOS 26.7

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 27 - or optionally iPadOS 26.7.

• iPad Pro 13" (M4/M5)
• iPad Pro 12.9" (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11" (2nd generation and later + M4/M5)
• iPad Air (4th generation and later + M2/M3/M4)
• iPad (9th generation and later + A16)
• iPad mini (6th generation and later + A17 Pro)

• What happens when you attempt to install iPad OS 27?
• What happened when attempting to download an app?
• Is there a message saying your Apple Account has been disabled for purchases?
• Which Apple Pencil do you have? You can review compatibility for each here:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

Thanks. My iPad Air (4th generation and later, M4) arrived today; I have been working through the transfer from the older iPad Air I have. I have read all the Community helpful hints and all the Apple references; methinks perhaps a trip to the faraway Apple Store is in order.

DenaliDad wrote:

Thanks. My iPad Air (4th generation and later, M4) arrived today; I have been working through the transfer from the older iPad Air I have. I have read all the Community helpful hints and all the Apple references; methinks perhaps a trip to the faraway Apple Store is in order.

You're very welcome. With the guidance you have already received, you should be able to transfer without too much difficulty.

Be aware that the only real "gotcha" with transferring data from the source to target iPad is that the target device to which data is being transferred must have the same or later version of iPadOS than the source.

Should you encounter an insurmountable problem, the technicians at the Genius Bar of an accessible Apple Store will be delighted to assist. Don't forget to try using a friendly neighbour or other family-members WiFi network - as this can be useful in working around any problems with your own WiFi network.

1. The response is "Unable to verify update"
2. The spinning icon continues to spin
3. No
4. Apple Pencil Pro; it is compatible