iPad Air (M2) on v17.7.2 — I want the security updates of the new v17.7.4 but am being offered only v18.3.
I will not go to v18 until v19.1 is released.
How do I get the v17.7.4 security update ?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad Air, iPadOS 17
If your iPad is capable of update to iPadOS 18.3, you will not be able to update to iPadOS 17.7.4. The iPadOS 17.3.3/4 point-updates are only available to devices that are technically unable to update to iPadOS 18.x. As is, unless you update to iPadOS 18.x, there will be no new security updates for your iPad Pro M2.
Other than forgoing essential security updates - and new software features - what do you expect to achieve by avoiding the current major version of iPadOS?
iPadOS 18.3 is stable - and offers many new capabilities. If you don't wish to benefit from the new Apple Intelligence features, these are simply disabled with a single setting.
Thank you for offering your, apparently well-informed, interpretation of the situation. Having used a Mac for forty years I rather expected my iPad to follow the pattern of updates that I am accustomed to, and that suits my approach to computing.
Perhaps I will avoid being mucked about by Apple Intelligence in the way that, last year, people experienced being mucked about by having their Macs force-upgraded to Sonoma. In that case the 'single setting' proved illusory.
I will achieve a modicum of stability by remaining one or two steps back from the bleeding edge. And I will continue to choose what I want from the Apple barrel instead of swallowing whatever the company pushes at me. This iPad is a pleasure to use but it is my first Apple tablet because I wasn't prepared to accept anything less than drag-and-drop file transfer from the Finder. Once Apple adopted a sensible approach I was glad to be able to consider an Apple device when the time came for new hardware.
I've just updated my Mac to v14.7.3 to get the security updates — why should I be prevented from following the analogy to update my iPad to v17.7.4 ?
For information...
Apple's Security update page clearly states device availability/applicability of iOS/iPad 17.7.4 and 18.3 updates.
The full text can be found here:
Apple security releases - Apple Support
Note that following the associated hyperlink for each of the updates will list the security vulnerabilities (and, where applicable, the corresponding CVE) patched by the update.
Unfortunately, security updates for iPadOS are inseparably bundled with system software updates; as a result, you cannot have one without the other. If using your iPad online, security updates are arguably critical in maintaining the security of both the device and the personal/sensitive information that is both stored and processed by it.
It is of course your decision to apply updates - or not - and in so doing accept the consequences of either action.
Speaking for myself only, security of the device and my data is the overriding factor in making an update decision; functional and feature changes are a secondary consideration that can, in most cases, be adequately managed via system settings. As with all computing platforms, emerging threats and exploits can only be properly mitigated through patching identified system vulnerabilities. That said, I fully accept that you may have a different priorities and viewpoint.
As to your question as to why the iPadOS 17.7.4 is not available to you, this a question that can only be answered by Apple. Other than the site Moderators, as you are hopefully aware, Apple neither monitor nor participate within these user-to-user forums.
I can however offer the following observations...
1) Following release of a new major version of iOS/iPadOS (usually in September of a calendar year), Apple continue to maintain point-updates for the preceding major version for all compatible devices for a limited period of time. During this period of support, minor feature updates and fixes continue to be released, some of which will be to maintain forward compatibility with the new major version.
2) For devices capable of update to the new major version, point-updates for the prior major version usually cease by the end of the calendar year - at which time the only available updates for these devices are for the new major version. So as to benefit from essential security updates, the only option is to update capable devices to the now-current major version of iOS/iPadOS. It should be noted that, by this time, the new version is very stable and free from any significant issues.
3) For devices incapable of update to the new major version, patches for significant security vulnerabilities are occasionally released for the prior major version - the frequency of these point updates dwindling over time.
Apple invites submission of constructive comments and feedback via is Product Feedback portal. If you have any specific comments or requests concerning future software releases and support, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to direct any such comments. For iPad and iPadOS:
You should note that while you are unlikely to receive a personal reply, we are assured that all feedback is logged and forwarded to the appropriate department(s) for consideration.
How do I get iOS 17.7.4 update on my iPad Air?
