iPad 18.3.1 update requires 14.37 GB free space and I have 12.57GB free.

Yeah, it’s frustrating how iPadOS updates take up so much space, especially on 32GB devices. The issue comes down to how iOS/iPadOS handles updates—it needs extra space to download, unpack, and install the update before deleting the temporary files. That’s why even though the update itself might be around 9-10GB, it still requires over 14GB free.

A few things you can try:

1. *Use a Computer* – If you update via Computer 👈, you won’t need as much free space since the update installs directly.

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

2. *Clear System Data* – “System Data” (cached files, logs, etc.) can be unpredictable. A restart or force restart may clear some of it, but the most effective way is backing up, resetting the iPad, and restoring from backup.

3. *Delete & Reinstall Apps* – Some apps store a lot of cached data. Deleting and reinstalling them can free up space.

4. *Offload Large Files* – Move photos/videos to iCloud or a computer and temporarily delete them from the iPad.

And yeah, it does feel like planned obsolescence. Apple’s system storage management isn’t great on lower-storage models, making it harder to keep older devices updated. If this keeps happening, it might be time to consider a device with more storage, but for now, updating via a computer should be your best bet.

It is generally recommended that you maintain 4-6GB of free space at all times - as your iPad needs some temporary space to complete some tasks - such as performing system software updates.

A system software update requires sufficient space to be downloaded, unpacked and verified prior to installation - major version updates (such as updating from iPadOS 16.x to iPadOS 17) requiring considerably more space than an incremental point-update. After the update is successfully completed, temporary files are automatically deleted - returning free space.

If your internal storage is full, or is insufficient for the task that you need to perform, your only option is to better manage the storage that you have - and delete unused Apps or unneeded data. 

These support pages should prove to be helpful:

About storage on your device and in iCloud – Apple Support

What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage? – Apple Support

Manage your iCloud storage – Apple Support

How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

“Offloading” Apps can be a helpful method of creating temporary space for a software update.

https://9to5mac.com/2020/01/21/how-to-offload-apps-in-ios-to-save-space-without-deleting-their-data/

Additional information about creating sufficient space for installation of a software update can be found here:

If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If your iPad is capable of update to a more recent version of iOS/iPadOS than is currently installed, these support pages outline both the available methods by which the update can be performed - and troubleshooting should you experience difficulties:

Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t update - Apple Support

iOS update and restore errors – Apple Support

Be aware that while an iPad may be capable of update, in some circumstances you may need to use a computer to perform the update*. To do so, you will need access to either a Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed - or the more recent Apple Devices App) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of MacOS). Ensure that your installed version of iTunes has been updated to the most recent version; the essential device drivers are included.

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

Update to the latest version of iTunes – Apple Support

Update software on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch in iTunes on PC - Apple Support

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the Finder - Apple Support

Apple Devices App (Windows PC):

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9np83lwlpz9k?hl=en-ms&gl=MS

(*) If you don’t have access to a suitable computer of your own, that of a helpful friend or family member will suffice. Alternatively, the technicians at the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) will be delighted to assist.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support

You should note that for your iPad to install an available update, its battery must be charged to at least 50% capacity - and/or be connected to its Power Adapter. Similarly, the iPad can only be updated over a standard WiFi connection - or be updated by a PC or Mac using iTunes or Finder - over a USB connection.

It takes so much space because it has to download the full updater, create a bunch of temporary files, perform the actual installation, and then clean up all the "leftovers". That's a lot more space needed than it will ultimately use. You have basically two options: either delete enough files or move then temporarily to external storage - some tips here:

Manage and Clear Storage on your iPhone a… - Apple Community

https://www.macworld.com/article/232651/iphone-other-storage-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-delete-it.html

or try to update using your computer which needs less available space on your iPad.

Regards.

I agree with the OP - I’m sure the other responses are technically correct but they’re missing the point. Apple has a supposed reputation for reliable devices and great user experience …. but someone using their iPad perfectly normally, leaving a few Gb of storage free, has to jump through hoops (e.g. offloading almost all the apps on the iPad) just to install a minor update. If thats the user experience going forwards then I’ll go back to saving some cash, buying a Windows device again, and just suck up the pain of an terrible update process.

No, we're not missing the point. We just can't do anything about how much space an iPadOS update (or any other update) requires since we are all just fellow users. All we can do is offer suggestions. If you wish to provide feedback to Apple, you can do so here:

Product Feedback - Apple

But trust me, I supported Windows systems for years and they also have minimum space requirements for any update and will fail, often dramatically, if there's not enough space. So changing to Windows or any other OS would not be a panacea, though you're of course free to choose whatever device you think best fits your needs.

Regards.

yes i have