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Can I downgrade my iPad to an earlier iOS version?

My device: iPad 10.2” 7th generation. My question: I don’t see any way to revert to a previous update as I can on Windows devices.. my iPad is now updated to 18.2. It was previously 18.1.1. I feel my device worked better previous to 18.2. Is there a way to go back in time before I updated to 18.2? Thanks for your assistance.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Dec 23, 2024 10:27 AM

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Posted on Dec 24, 2024 4:52 AM

Thank you, Lotus Pilot, for your helpful reply. My iPad is still perfectly usable, thank goodness. Otherwise, I would be forced to reset it. It would be nice if iPad would allow making a restore point, as Windows does. Is that a future possibility?

And I appreciate your comment about security updates. I certainly wouldn't want to revert those to a previous update.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 24, 2024 4:52 AM in response to Esap1944

Thank you, Lotus Pilot, for your helpful reply. My iPad is still perfectly usable, thank goodness. Otherwise, I would be forced to reset it. It would be nice if iPad would allow making a restore point, as Windows does. Is that a future possibility?

And I appreciate your comment about security updates. I certainly wouldn't want to revert those to a previous update.

Dec 23, 2024 10:28 AM in response to Esap1944

Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/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.


If Apps no longer work properly following update to a more recent version of the OS, you’ll need to seek assistance from the related App Developer - as only they can resolve issues with their App.


How to contact an app developer - Apple Support


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. 


For information, Apple do invite submission of comments via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

Dec 24, 2024 7:37 AM in response to Esap1944

We don't know what Apple might do in the future, but I highly doubt that they will ever offer an OS "rollback" feature for any of their iOS or iPadOS devices. They've not done so at any time since they were introduced and I doubt they'll change that now. I would think that it would be extremely difficult to allow just a "partial" rollback that would keep the security fixes of a newer OS version.


Regards.

Can I downgrade my iPad to an earlier iOS version?

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