The stated available storage can sometimes be misleading - as this is effectively represents the additional space required.
For an OTA update, you will typically require double the stated storage - as the OTA update package must be downloaded, unpacked and verified prior to installation. Upon conclusion of the update, the temporary files are deleted, returning free space.
By contrast, updating the iPad using a Mac computer or Windows PC will require much less free space - as the update package is downloaded, unpacked and verified by the computer - before the computer updates the connected iPad.
In more detail...
It is generally recommended that you maintain at least 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 18.x to iPadOS 26) 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
External storage options can often help with managing limited internal storage. Depending upon your iPad model, the iPad will either have a Lightning or USB-C port - and may therefore require either an Adapter or USB hub to connect the USB Storage device. If your iPad has a Lightning port, you’ll need an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter:
- Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A
