Updating ipad using iPhone hotspot

Before attempting to upgrade to iOS 27, you must first ensure that you have updated your iPhone to iOS 26.6.2 (or later).

The iOS 26.6.2 (and subsequent iOS 26.7) update explicitly fixed a bug that may prevent update of the iPhone over a Cellular connection:

About iOS 26 Updates - Apple Support

You may need to perform the System Software update using a standard WiFi network connection. Unless you are using a 5G Cellular connection, you'll not be able to perform a system software update. As indicated, you must also ensure that Low Power mode is disabled.

Your device may also require a Carrier Settings update from your Cellular Carrier - and for this it is often necessary to use a WiFi connection. Updating this firmware, that controls the cellular hardware being used for the active network connection, is rather akin to taking a saw the tree-branch that you are sitting-on.

ImCrashingOutttt wrote:

What if your on iPad and you can’t update to iOS 26

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.

As of 28th September 2026, here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:

32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi+Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular)

64-bit devices

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 26.7.1

(*) obsolete

Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 27.0.1 - or optionally iPadOS 26.7.1

• 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)

If your iPad is not capable of update to a more recent version of iPadOS than is currently installed, should you wish to use Apps or services that require a higher version than your iPad is capable, your only option is to replace your iPad with a much newer or current model iPad.

What if your on iPad and you can’t update to iOS 26