The long wait for iOS 10 finally ended this morning when Apple unleashed its huge software update on the world, but instead of getting a ton of new features, some iPad and iPhone owners report their devices have been bricked.
Based on early reports from Cult of Mac readers on Twitter, you might want to hold off on installing iOS 10 via the over-the-air update. Some devices failed during the upgrade process, leaving devices totally useless until a fix comes out.
https://twitter.com/Harry_Washy/status/775747923682398209
One work around to fix bricked iPhones on iOS 10 is to connect it to a Mac and then restore or update the iPhone via iTunes. Once you plug it into iTunes the device should still keep all your data.
It appears that most of the bricking on iPad is occurring on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, though we have no clue why. We’ve reached out to Apple for more info but have not heard back yet. If you’re desperate to try iOS 10 right this minute, make sure to back up your device first.
Update: Apple has issued an apology for bricking devices:
“We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.”
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
5 responses to “iOS 10 update bricks some iPhones and iPads [Update: fixed]”
“Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.” and re-download the software 5x times because Apples servers are overloaded…
My iPhone 6 updated just fine, but my iPad Pro 9.7 inch had this problem just now – had to connect to iTunes on my PC to fix. Thankfully everything was restored, including a lot of media content that I had on there. Tried to update again, but it didn’t work – thankfully, it didn’t brick the second time. I’ll wait a few days before trying to update it again.
OTA update on my 9.7″ iPad Pro went seamlessly. Maybe its just me?
Update was successful a couple of hours after I first tried it on my iPad Pro. I wonder how many people really got screwed by this though. I guess everyone has a Mac, PC or laptop somewhere but it is possible some of the older generations have gone completely PC free now, and they would have to go to Apple to get this fixed.
I did the same and have spent the past day trying to restore from iCloud backup with no luck. I keep getting down to the less than 1 minute remaining and then an Cannot restore backup notice