Why update to iPadOS now?
Updating to iPadOS. It sounds simple. But you're unsure. Will your favorite apps still work? Will your iPad crash after the update? And those accessories you just bought—will they remain compatible? These are understandable concerns.
Yet this is precisely the wrong time to hesitate. Because iPadOS is no longer a simple update . It's Apple's response to years of criticism that the iPad was "just a big iPhone." Multitasking that actually works. File management like on a laptop. And that Apple Pencil is now so responsive that you'll forget you're writing on a screen.
In five simple steps, you'll get more out of your iPad than you ever imagined. Without technical hassles. Without hours of searching. Here's how.
Useful links
Step 1: Check your iPad model and storage space
Not every iPad supports the latest version of iPadOS. First, check which model you have by going to Settings > General > About. For example, iPadOS 17 works on the iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), iPad 6th generation or later, and iPad mini (5th generation or later).
Check your available storage right away. An update usually requires 3 to 6 GB of free space. Running out of space? Temporarily remove large apps or move photos to iCloud. This will prevent frustration mid-update.
Practical tip
Take screenshots of your current settings, especially your widget layout and app order. Sometimes the layout gets messed up after a major update. With screenshots, you can restore everything in minutes.
Step 2: Make a full backup
The golden rule for every update: backup first, then update. You have two options:
iCloud backup:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- Tap 'Back Up Now'
- Leave your iPad connected to power and Wi-Fi until the backup is complete
iTunes/Finder backup (for Mac/PC):
- Connect your iPad with a cable
- Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
- Select your device and click 'Back up now'
- Choose an encrypted backup to also include passwords and health data
The computer backup is faster and more complete. Ideal if you have a lot of local files or limited iCloud storage.
Step 3: Check app compatibility
This is something many people forget. Open the App Store and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Scroll down to "Available Updates." First, update all apps to their latest versions. Developers usually adapt their apps for new iOS versions.
Do you use specific business apps? Check the developer's website for compatibility information. Older 32-bit apps, in particular, no longer work on modern iPadOS versions. You can see which apps are no longer supported in Settings > General > iPad Storage.
Please note accessories
Do you have an older Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard, or other accessory? These will usually continue to work. But to be sure, check the product page on Apple's website. Sometimes new features become available after an update.
Step 4: Run the update
Now comes the real work. Make sure your iPad has at least 50% battery, or better yet, is plugged in. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update
- Your iPad automatically searches for updates
- Tap 'Download and Install'
- Enter your access code
- Accept the terms
- The download will start (this will take 15-45 minutes depending on your internet speed)
- After downloading, the update will install automatically
Your device will restart several times. This is normal. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. So don't schedule this right before an important meeting.
Alternative: automatic updates
Don't feel like updating manually? Turn on automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Your iPad will then install updates overnight while it's charging.
Step 5: Discover and configure new features
After the update, it's time to explore the new features. iPadOS usually brings improvements to:
Multitasking:
- Stage Manager for real windows on your screen
- Improved Split View with three apps at once
- Quick Note from any app with the Apple Pencil
Productivity:
- Files app with external drive support
- Desktop class Safari with download manager
- New keyboard shortcuts for faster work
Creativity:
- Improved Apple Pencil response (latency under 9ms)
- New drawing tools in Notes
- Live text in photos and videos
Take your time browsing through Settings. Apple regularly adds new options without making a big announcement. Think of focus modes, lock screen widgets, or enhanced privacy settings.
Troubleshooting
Is your iPad stuck during the update? Don't panic. Force a restart by holding the power button and volume button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears. The update will usually resume automatically.
Apps crashing after the update? Delete and reinstall them. This fixes 90% of compatibility issues. Still not working? Wait a few days for an app update from the developer.
Battery draining faster? It's normal for the first few days. Your iPad is re-indexing all files in the background. After two to three days, battery usage will stabilize again.
When not to update?
Sometimes it's wiser to wait. Do you use your iPad professionally for specific software? Then wait until colleagues or forums confirm that everything works. Minor bug fixes often appear in the first few weeks after a major release.
Do you have an older model with limited storage (32GB)? Consider updating selectively. Not every new feature is worth it if you constantly need to free up space.
Getting the most out of iPadOS
The update is more than just new features. It's about improving workflows. Experiment with widgets on your home screen. Try Handoff between your iPhone and iPad. Use Universal Control to work with a single keyboard and mouse between your Mac and iPad.
The investment in time pays off in efficiency. A well-configured iPad with the latest iPadOS version easily replaces a laptop for many tasks.
Ready for the future
Updating to the latest iPadOS version isn't rocket science. With these five steps, you'll get the most out of your iPad in under an hour. From backups to discovering new features—you now have the complete roadmap. The result? An iPad that finally does what it was designed for: productive work without compromise .
Whether you have an iPad Pro or a standard model, with the right accessories and the latest software, your tablet becomes a fully-fledged workmate. Time to get started.
