I'm trying to update my 9th generation iPad to iOS version 18.7.7 because I want to avoid updating to version 26. However, I keep getting an error at the end of the download when trying to use the OTA update. When I connect my iPad to my laptop, it only allows me to update to version 26.4. Does anyone have any tips or solutions for this issue?
3 Answers
First off, what iOS version are you currently running? It can help narrow down the issue when updating. If you're on an older version, sometimes a direct update to the latest release causes glitches and errors. You might want to check that your device has enough storage and that you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection. This can make a big difference!
While I understand the hesitation to upgrade, skipping updates can lead to issues in the long run. Apple often pushes these updates to improve security and performance. It might be worth considering going to version 26, even if it feels annoying right now. Plus, there can be essential features and bug fixes included that you wouldn't want to miss out on!
I get that, but I’d really prefer staying on 18.7.7. Do you think there's any way to troubleshoot that without jumping right to 26?
I've seen that happening a lot lately where users are stuck on older firmware. There's a lot of chatter about people losing access to their Apple IDs and data when they skip updates aggressively. Just something to keep in mind when trying to decide your next steps!

I'm on 15.2.1 right now, and I'm still hitting a wall with the OTA. Do you think connecting directly to my laptop might help instead?