Apple unveiled a new version of iPadOS – the separate operating system that the iPad has had since 2019 – at WWDC in June 2022 and it is now available to download (as of Monday 24 October, 2022).
iPadOS 16 will bring new features to the iPad operating system. These include the ability edit sent messages, weather apps (finally), updated apps that look more like desktop counterparts, as well as M1/M2-specific features like Stage Manager, Reference Mode, Virtual Memory Swap, and Stage Manager.
Does that sound appealing? You can now download the update to compatible iPads. We recommend you wait though as there will probably be a rush as everyone else downloads all the new software from Apple’s servers causing them to slow right down.
We will explain all you need to know to update your iPad with the latest iPadOS version. You can either grab a new version of iPadOS public or install the beta.
We discuss the system requirements as well as what to do when you have problems (such a lack of space or inability to connect to Wi Fi).
We also discuss whether it’s a good idea to install an iPadOS beta and what the difference between public and developer betas are.
Preparation and precautions
You should do a bit of iPad spring-cleaning before installing any software update: it’s very important that you
It is important to back it up, because you don’t want to lose any important data, but you should also spend some time clearing some space so that you have enough storage for the new update.
We tend to store lots of movies and TV shows on our iPad, so if you need space these could be removed – if you downloaded them from Apple you should be able to download them again later on.
How to update iPadOS
The new iPadOS will arrive and you will receive an alert on the iPad telling you that it is available for download. You might need to go to Settings to make your iPad actively search for it.
- Plug your iPhone into a power supply – iPadOS 16 won’t install if you don’t plug into the mains.
- You’ll also need to be connected to Wi-Fi, you won’t be able to download via cellular (although it is now possible to install via a data connection). We advise that you check it’s a safe network – we don’t recommend you do this over hotel Wi-Fi, for instance. These are our tips for downloading iPadOS. if you don’t have Wi-Fi below.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and wait for the iPad to find the update. It’s possible that you’ll see the message ‘Your software is up to date.’ Sometimes there’s a bit of a wait until the software becomes available, but it’s also possible that iPadOS won’t run on your iPad.
- Tap Download and Install to confirm that the latest version is available.
- Enter your passcode when prompted, and agree to the terms & conditions if required.
- The update will be downloaded to your device in the background. You’ll see an indication of how much time it is likely to take – in our experience this is very far from the mark! It can be doubled or tripled! You can continue with other tasks while the download occurs. After the download completes, you will be notified on your iPad.
- Now tap on Details to open the Notification window. This will take you back to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Install Now. (Again, expect this step to take a while – especially if it’s on the night the software arrives!)
- Alternativly, you can choose Later. iPadOS will offer to update during the night – you just need to make sure the device is plugged in.
How to Download iPadOS Without Wi-Fi
If you want to install a new version of iPadOS but don’t have access to Wi-Fi – or if you don’t know if the Wi-Fi you have access to is secure because it’s at a hotel/restaurant – you might be wondering whether you can update iPadOS using cellular or mobile data.
Apple had a download limit that prevented downloads exceeding 200MB from being made over a data connection. iPadOS 13 lifted this cap, so you can now download apps regardless of their size. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > App Downloads. Choose from Always Allow, Ask If More Than 200MB or Always Ask.
If you are thinking of downloading this way we warn that even ‘unlimited’ contracts aren’t always truly unlimited and the download is likely to be a few GB.
These steps will help you update iPadOS 16 with mobile data or cellular data.
- HotspotUse your iPhone to connect to it from your iPad
- Check out the available options for downloading and installing iPadOS.
Your iPhone’s data connection will allow your iPad to download iPadOS.
How to Download iPadOS on a Mac (or Computer)
Alternativly, if you have an Ethernet connection to your Mac, or another way to connect to the internet, you can download iPadOS via the Finder.
- Open the Finder app on your iMac, and then plug in your iPad.
- Click the icon to activate your iPad.
- Click on Check for updates.
- Check out the available options for downloading and installing iPadOS.
This process is not possible in older macOS versions or Windows.
Why won’t my iPad update?
You may be wondering why your iPad isn’t showing the update as available. There could be a few reasons this may be.
- You might just be too eager – is the update you want out yet? Sometimes it takes several hours for some devices to get the update.
- You might not be able to use the new iPadOS version on your iPad. The 2014 iPad Air 2 is an example of an iPad that qualifies for iPadOS 15.
- You might not be connected to Wi-Fi – as we said above, you need Wi-Fi.
- You might not be plugged in – this is required, just in case you run out of battery halfway through.
If those points don’t apply to you, try installing via the Finder or iTunes as we detailed above.
Do I need to install the iPadOS beta version?
Running a beta is the only way to get hold of a version of iPadOS before it’s officially launched, and that’s a nice thing if you like to boast about having the latest features, and an essential thing if you’re a developer and need to test your app with the new platform.
Betas are not final software. Betas can contain bugs. This is why Apple allows betas to be tested.
We therefore advise caution in grabbing the iPadOS beta, and don’t recommend installing it on your main iPad if you depend on it for work.
Public betas vs. developer
Apple offers two iPadOS beta programs, one for developers and the other for the general public. Both are available now.
Developer beta versions are always more advanced. Apple distributes each version to developers first and the public later. You can find out more about the developer beta here. These are a developer, therefore, that’s the version to go for.
If you’re not a developer, you’re only allowed to use the public beta.
How to install iPadOS beta
Follow these steps to install iPadOS 15 Public Beta.
- Register Now
Apple Beta pageRegister with your Apple ID details - Register to access the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enrol your iPadOS device. If you were enrolled in beta last year, you might need to remove the profile and re-enrol.
- Go to
beta.apple.com/profileYou can do this on your iPad. - The configuration profile can be downloaded and installed.
- The beta version is now available in Settings, under General, Software Update.
If you’re a developer (you’ll need to be
Register, which costs £79/$99 a year) you can install the developer beta by following these instructions:
- Safari on your iPad: Go to
developer.apple.comLog in - Navigate to the Downloads section and scroll down to iPadOS 15. Beta. Tap Install Profile, then accept.
- Open Settings. You should see Profile Downloaded at the top of the main screen – tap this. If you can’t see it, go to General > Profile and tap on the iPadOS 15 beta profile there.
- Tap Install to install your beta profile.
- Please read the consent form for developers and then give your permission.
- Restart your Apple iPad.
- Now go to Settings > General > Software Update, where you should see the iPadOS 14 beta. Tap Download and then Install.
- Wait for the update to download on your iPad, then tap Install.
The iPadOS 15 beta will now run on your iPad.
How to update iPadOS from a beta Version
If you have ever tried it before,
Beta version of iPadOSYou will need to delete the Apple configuration profile before you can get the iPadOS release.
You can do this by going to Settings > General > Profile and selecting iPadOS Beta Software Profile, then choosing Delete Profile and entering your passcode to confirm the change. As normal, you will now receive official updates instead of beta updates.
How to download an older version of iOS/iPadOS
Here’s what to do if you change your mind later and want to try to downgrade to an older version of iPadOS. (Note, however, that downgrading is really tricky, so we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to revert.)
- Open the Finder on your Mac.
- Then, go to Library and hold the down key.
Option/Alt key in Finder and selecting Go > Library. - Select the Software Updates folder for your iPad if it’s there.
- You can also launch your web browser, and go to
IPSW.meFind the right one for you.
And if your iPad doesn’t run the version of iPadOS you’re after, you might want to check our roundup of the
Best iPad dealsYou can save money while still getting a new iPad.
