Apple's highly anticipated release of iOS 18 on Monday has come with a few unexpected hiccups. Some iPad Pro users with the M4 chip have reported that their devices were being bricked after attempting to update to the latest operating system. As a result, Apple has temporarily pulled the iPadOS 18 software to address the issue.

According to reports on Reddit, the problem seemed to arise when users installed iOS 17.7 without any issues and then immediately proceeded with the iOS 18 installation. However, during the update process, their iPads suddenly turned off and could not be turned back on. Despite attempting various reset options, users were unable to restore functionality to their devices.

The extent of the issue appears to be limited, affecting only a small number of iPad Pro users with the M4 chip. Apple has assured affected users that they are actively working on resolving the underlying problem and will re-release the update once a fix has been implemented.

Meanwhile, iOS 18 has been made available for other compatible devices. This latest version of Apple's operating system provides a significant number of security fixes, including 33 in total. Notable vulnerabilities that have been addressed include flaws in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari browser, as well as the Kernel, the core of the iPhone operating system.

One of the fixed vulnerabilities in the Kernel, identified as CVE-2024-44165, and another, CVE-2024-44191, could potentially allow unauthorized access to Bluetooth through malicious apps. Additionally, a flaw in the Sandbox, designated as CVE-2024-40863, had the potential to reveal sensitive information. Another issue in WebKit, CVE-2024-40857, could enable universal cross-site scripting when processing maliciously crafted web content. Lastly, CVE-2024-44187 in WebKit could lead to cross-origin data exfiltration by a malicious website.

Despite these vulnerabilities, experts like Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace, recommend updating to iOS 18 as soon as possible. Wright suggests that although some flaws may have originated from the iOS 18 Beta version, Apple has put considerable effort into enhancing overall iPhone security with this release. Furthermore, iOS 18 introduces new privacy features, including the ability to hide sensitive apps behind Face ID recognition.

For users hesitant about updating to iOS 18, sticking with iOS 17.7 remains a valid option until any early issues with the new release have been addressed. Ultimately, the decision between iOS 17.7 and iOS 18 boils down to personal preference rather than a security concern, according to Wright.

To update to the latest operating system version, users can navigate to their Settings, select General, and then choose Software Update. It is important to note that the M4 chip iPad Pros are currently unable to update to iPadOS 18 due to the reported issues. Apple will re-release the software once the problem has been resolved, ensuring a smoother and more secure experience for all iPad Pro users.