How to Prepare Your iPad for iPadOS 18

With the upcoming launch of iPadOS 18, you can expect a number of new features and improvements that will improve the overall performance of your iPad. Whether it’s better multitasking, improved privacy options, or new app capabilities, iPadOS 18 is set to bring some exciting changes. But before diving into the update, it’s important to make sure your device is ready for a smooth transition. Here’s a complete guide to help you get your iPad ready for iPadOS 18.

Check compatibility

Before installing iPadOS 18, you should make sure your iPad supports the new software. Here’s how to check:

• Check your iPad model: Not all iPad models will be compatible with iPadOS 18. To find your model, go to Settings > General > ABOUTand look for your iPad Model nameOnce you have done that, visit the official Apple website to check if your device is supported.
• Check the current version of iPadOS: You should also check if your iPad is currently running iPadOS 17 or later. If you are still on an older version, update it to the latest version of iPadOS 17 before moving to iPadOS 18.

Back up your data

Backing up your data is essential before you make any major software updates. This ensures that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, your data is safe and can be easily restored. You have two main options for backing up your iPad:

• iCloud backup: This is the simplest and most convenient option. Go to Settings > (Your name) > iCloud > iCloud backupand touch Back up now to start the process.
• iTunes/Finder backup: If you prefer a local backup, connect your iPad to your computer. For macOS Mojave or earlier, use iTunes. For macOS Catalina or later, use Finder. Select your iPad, go to General (Or Abstract) and click Back up now.

Free up disk space

iPadOS updates usually require a significant amount of free space. To avoid installation problems, it is best to clean up unnecessary files and apps beforehand:

• Check storage usage: Open Settings > General > iPad Memory to see a detailed breakdown of available space and what’s taking up the most space.
• Remove unused apps: Go through your apps and delete the ones you no longer use. This can free up a surprising amount of space.
• Offload unused applications: If you’re not ready to remove some apps but still want to free up space, consider offloading them. This option removes the app itself but keeps its data intact. You can reinstall the app later and all your data will be restored.
• Move photos and videos to the cloud: Media files, especially photos and videos, tend to take up a lot of space. You can use iCloud Photos or another cloud storage service like Google Photos or Dropbox to store these files, freeing up local storage.

Keep your apps up to date

Updating your apps is an important step in ensuring compatibility with the new iPadOS. Some apps may not work properly on iPadOS 18 if they have not been updated:

• Check for app updates: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see if there are any pending app updates. Tap Update all to make sure everything is up to date.
• Remove outdated apps: If you have apps that haven’t been updated in a while or are no longer supported, now is a good time to remove them. This will prevent any potential conflicts or performance issues after updating to iPadOS 18.

Charge your iPad

You don’t want your iPad to die in the middle of a software update. Make sure your iPad is sufficiently charged before starting the installation:

• Make sure the battery is charged: It is best to have at least 50% battery on your iPad before starting the update. To be safe, it is best to keep your iPad plugged in during the entire process.

Install iPadOS 18

Once your iPad is backed up, updated, and fully charged, you can install iPadOS 18. Here’s what you need to do:

• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network: To avoid download interruptions, a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial.
• Go to software update: Open Settings > General > Software updateIf iPadOS 18 is available, you’ll see the option to download and install it.
• Download and install: To obtain Download and install and follow the on-screen instructions. Your iPad will automatically restart during the update process. This may take some time, so be patient.

Additional tips for a smooth transition

• View release notes: It’s always a good idea to review the official release notes before installing. They’ll give you an overview of new features, bug fixes, and any potential known issues or compatibility concerns.
• Be patient: Software updates can take a while to complete, especially if you haven’t updated your device in a while or if your Wi-Fi connection is slow. It’s best to take your time with the process and avoid using your iPad while it’s updating.
• Discover the new features: Once you’ve finished updating, take some time to explore what’s new in iPadOS 18. Whether it’s improved widgets, improved multitasking, or better privacy controls, it’s worth checking out the changes to get the most out of your device.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for the iPadOS 18 update, ensuring a smooth transition to the latest version of the software. Preparing ahead of time will save you time and frustration, allowing you to enjoy the new features of iPadOS 18 with minimal disruption. iPadOS 18 will be released on Monday, September 16, and you can learn more details about the software on Apple’s website .

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPad, Guides, Top News

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