How to tell which iPadOS is still being signed by Apple?

[Mity]

If I buy the outgoing M4 iPad Pro, will I be able to update to the latest iPadOS 18 iteration (18.7.1) listed here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/100100

Or will that machine be required to upgrade to iPadOS 26.0.1 if I choose to upgrade in Settings? Meaning, will it give me an option to chose between 18 and 26?

 

[BigBlur]

For now, yes...assuming it is already on a version of iPadOS 18. People are speculating that Apple will stop signing 18.7.1 once iPadOS 26.1 is released, which could be next week.

If it happens to be really old and still on iPadOS 17, I don't think you can upgrade to iPadOS 18. You may only be offered iPadOS 26.

 

[Mity]

For now, yes...assuming it is already on a version of iPadOS 18. People are speculating that Apple will stop signing 18.7.1 once iPadOS 26.1 is released, which could be next week.

If it happens to be really old and still on iPadOS 17, I don't think you can upgrade to iPadOS 18. You may only be offered iPadOS 26.

Does Apple usually issue some type of statement when it stops signing?

 

[BigBlur]

Does Apple usually issue some type of statement when it stops signing?

No, they don't give us any notice.

There are other sites that track the status though, such as this one.

iPadOS Firmware Chart | AppleDB

iPadOS Firmware Chart

appledb.dev

If you're really wanting an iPad with iOS 18, I'd suggest jumping on it now for your best chance before it's too late. You can always return it if it doesn't work out. Or look for someone selling a used one that's on 18.7.1.