iPadOS 26.1 – iPads lose internet connection and stop checking in to Intune after reboot

Since updating our managed iPads to iPadOS 26.1, we’ve started experiencing a recurring issue where devices lose all internet connectivity after a restart.

All affected iPads are configured as Kiosk devices and enrolled in Microsoft Intune without user affinity (“Enroll without User Affinity”).

Immediately after installing the update, everything appears to work normally — the devices connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data and check in to Intune as expected.

However, once the iPad is restarted, it can no longer connect to any network (neither Wi-Fi nor 4G/5G). Because of this, the device also stops checking in to Intune and cannot receive new policies or updates.

This behavior started only after the iPadOS 26.1 update. Prior to that, the same configuration worked without any issues.

I’m wondering if anyone else is seeing similar behavior, and whether there’s a known workaround or setting adjustment that restores connectivity after reboot.

Thanks in advance for any insights or suggestions.