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ZhangLS1019
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

How to update iPad Pro M4 to iPadOS 18.7.10 when only newer versions are offered?

Updating iPadOS 18.7.7 to 18.7.10?

Hi, so I've finally gotten enough of iPadOS26/27's dreadful multitasking (I know it's mimicking macOS but without the option to create multiple desktops so it really feels like multitasking on Windows7, but we can go on about that later), and have gotten myself a second-handed iPad Pro M4 @ iPadOS 18.7.7; but now I see that "Software Update" only offers iPadOS 27 or 26, so I wonder whether there's still a way for me to update to 18.7.10. Do I need to wait for a time at which Apple would sign it for my device?

By the way, there are two reasons for me to update:

  1. I have an iCloud backup for my old iPad on iPadOS 18.7.10, and this new iPad won't let me recover it (of course, because the target device is running a lower version)
  2. I just wish to stay at the newest version I like.

Thanks.


Posted on Oct 22, 2026 9:48 PM

3 replies

LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)

Oct 23, 2026 2:53 AM in response to ZhangLS1019

Rolling-back to an earlier version of iPadOS is not possible.


All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed. Beyond the short overlap, Apple does not provide any opportunities to downgrade to an earlier version of the OS.


Perhaps consider that iOS/iPadOS updates include both functional and essential security updates. Restoring an earlier version of the OS would undermine the security of your device and your personal data. 


If you dislike the windowed environment, you can switch to using the basic Full-Screen App mode - but this disables all multitasking capabilities; you will not be able to use split screen or slide-over modes with which you are likely familiar:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures - select Full Screen Apps





As for restoring a pre-existing backup, the target device must have the same or later version of the OS that created or last updated the backup. Put another way, you cannot restore a backup to a device that has an earlier OS version than the backup.

Niel
User level: Level 10 (756,437 points)

Oct 22, 2026 9:53 PM in response to ZhangLS1019

No. Apple stopped signing 18 for units capable of 26 or above; it's not worth waiting to see if they'll change their minds.


(265321)

ZhangLS1019 Author
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Oct 22, 2026 10:19 PM in response to Niel

Thanks Niel. I've heard rumours from iPadOS26 "haters" that Apple had opened 2 windows this year to sign iOS18 for newer devices, and some guys had caught the chance to "downgrade" their iPads; but I'm not sure if that's ever going to happen again, and whether there's any "reminders" to which I may subscribe.

But still, it's likely not worth the wait, maybe I should just manually set up my new iPad, and back it up separately. All my files are on iCloud anyways, and keeping the old backup for an extra while won't hurt.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256381280