User profile for user: CCnNYC
CCnNYC Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Cannot resolve iPadOS discrepancy to set up new iPad (26.1, 26.01)

My previous M2 iPad was using the iPad OS 26 beta software. About 2 weeks or so ago (~10/15/25) I switched it back to “current release” OS but it stayed at 26.1. I just received my new M5 iPad yesterday, but it cannot be updated past 26.01 since the 26.1 is still in beta (I think) and therefore both direct and transfer from backup are blocked. Not sure how long it will be until 26.1 will be released, and I’ve *very eager* to have my new iPad match the old one and not have 2 asynchronous versions that will be hard to synchronize later. Any workarounds? So far I found a way to use Finder on Mac to enter recovery mode and “restore” iPad from backup. I’m only worried if the backup is 26.1 and the restored version is 26.01 it might refuse the backup—even on the same (M2) backup.

iPad Pro (M5, 2025)

Posted on Oct 23, 2025 6:11 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
300,914 points

Posted on Oct 23, 2025 6:59 AM

While iPadOS 16.1 has not yet been released as a production version, it is anticipated soon. That said, Apple have not yet announced a release date.


You can only transfer or restore data to a target device that has the same or later version of iPadOS as the source. While there is no workaround - any files/data that are synchronised with iCloud will be available to both your old and new iPads. As such, only locally stored data and local device settings will be affected by this limitation.


It is generally recommended that you do not use beta software with any device upon which has data upon which you rely - as data formats may not be compatible with production software. In addition, there is a real risk of data loss or corruption.

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
300,914 points

Oct 23, 2025 6:59 AM in response to CCnNYC

While iPadOS 16.1 has not yet been released as a production version, it is anticipated soon. That said, Apple have not yet announced a release date.


You can only transfer or restore data to a target device that has the same or later version of iPadOS as the source. While there is no workaround - any files/data that are synchronised with iCloud will be available to both your old and new iPads. As such, only locally stored data and local device settings will be affected by this limitation.


It is generally recommended that you do not use beta software with any device upon which has data upon which you rely - as data formats may not be compatible with production software. In addition, there is a real risk of data loss or corruption.

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Cannot resolve iPadOS discrepancy to set up new iPad (26.1, 26.01)

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