iPad Pro Firmware: Model Identification & IPSW Downloads

Apple has sold the iPad Pro under seven different generations since 2015, and every one uses a different set of model identifiers. The name "iPad Pro" alone tells you nothing about which IPSW firmware file to download — you need the identifier. This guide lists every iPad Pro identifier across all generations, the current or final signed iPadOS build for each, and links to the right device page for the IPSW DOWNLOAD.

Quick answer: the 3rd-generation iPad Pro (2018) and later all run iPadOS 26.6.1 (build 23G83), the current signed release. The 2nd-generation (2017) is capped at iPadOS 17.7.11 (21H461), and the original 1st-generation (2015) at iPadOS 16.7.16 (20H392).

iPad Pro Identifier Table — All 7 Generations

The iPad Pro line has used four different screen sizes (9.7″, 10.5″, 11″, 12.9″/13″) and six different chips across its history. Each WiFi and Cellular variant has its own identifier — and the 1TB models in the 3rd and 4th generations have separate identifiers too.

1st Generation (2015–2016) — A9X

2nd Generation (2017) — A10X Fusion

3rd Generation (2018) — A12X Bionic

Apple signs only the current build, and closes the previous one shortly after a new release ships. For the exact build signed right now, check the live signing status before you download.

4th Generation (2020) — A12Z Bionic

5th Generation (2021) — Apple M1

6th Generation (2022) — Apple M2

7th Generation (2024) — Apple M4

Currently Signed and Final Builds

Apple only lets you restore or update to a signed build:

● 3rd gen (2018) and later: iPadOS 26.6.1 (23G83) is the latest signed build. Apple normally signs only the current build — check the live signing status before downloading.

● 2nd gen (2017): iPadOS 17.7.11 (21H461) is the final release and remains signed.

● 1st gen (2015): iPadOS 16.7.16 (20H392) is the final release and remains signed.

Which iPad Pro Do I Have?

Open Settings → General → About and read the Model Name and Model Number (tap to toggle the A-number). Match the identifier in the tables above. Physical tells: the 1st-gen models have a Home button and a headphone jack; the 2nd-gen models have a Home button but no headphone jack on the 10.5″; the 3rd-gen and later use Face ID with no Home button. The 2024 M4 models switched the 12.9″ screen to 13″ with an OLED tandem display.

Why So Many Identifiers?

Apple assigns separate identifiers for WiFi vs Cellular variants and, in the 3rd and 4th generations, for 1TB storage tiers (which used a higher-binned chip). The 5th-generation M1 models have alternate identifiers (iPad13,6/13,7 and iPad13,9/13,11) for hardware revisions. Every identifier has its own IPSW — an iPad Pro IPSW for one identifier will not restore another, even within the same generation.

How to Restore an iPad Pro with an IPSW

Back up your device, turn off Find My (Settings → your name → Find My → Find My iPad), connect to a Mac or PC, and in Finder, the Apple Devices app, or iTunes hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Restore, then select the IPSW that matches your identifier. The 1st and 2nd gen use Lightning; the 3rd gen onward use USB-C. If the iPad is unresponsive, put it into recovery mode first.

iPad Pro and iPadOS 27

All iPad Pro models from the 3rd generation (A12X, 2018) onward are expected to run the next major release. The 1st and 2nd gen are long past their final iPadOS. Check the iOS 27 supported devices list for the confirmed compatibility picture.

More iPad Firmware Guides

The iPad Pro is one part of the wider iPad family. For other iPad lines — iPad (standard), iPad Air, and iPad mini — see the iPad firmware master guide, which covers every iPad model and links to the right device page.

All iPad Pro Firmware Downloads

● iPad Pro 9.7″ WiFi (iPad6,3)  —  /device/iPad6,3

● iPad Pro 10.5″ WiFi (iPad7,3)  —  /device/iPad7,3

● iPad Pro 11″ 3rd gen WiFi (iPad8,1)  —  /device/iPad8,1

● iPad Pro 11″ 4th gen WiFi (iPad8,9)  —  /device/iPad8,9

● iPad Pro 11″ M1 WiFi (iPad13,4)  —  /device/iPad13,4

● iPad Pro 11″ M2 WiFi (iPad14,3)  —  /device/iPad14,3

● iPad Pro 11″ M4 WiFi (iPad16,3)  —  /device/iPad16,3

● iPad Pro 13″ M4 WiFi (iPad16,5)  —  /device/iPad16,5

iPad Pro Firmware FAQ

How many iPad Pro generations are there?

Seven: 1st gen (2015, A9X), 2nd gen (2017, A10X), 3rd gen (2018, A12X), 4th gen (2020, A12Z), 5th gen (2021, M1), 6th gen (2022, M2), and 7th gen (2024, M4).

What is the latest iPadOS for iPad Pro?

The 3rd generation (2018) and later run iPadOS 26.6.1 (23G83). The 2nd gen is capped at 17.7.11, and the 1st gen at 16.7.16.

Why does my iPad Pro have a different identifier than my friend’s same model?

WiFi and Cellular variants always have different identifiers. In the 3rd and 4th gen, 1TB storage models have their own identifier too. In the 5th gen M1, there are alternate hardware-revision identifiers. Each identifier has its own IPSW.

Do the 3rd gen (A12X) and 4th gen (A12Z) iPad Pro share firmware?

No. Even though the A12Z is an unlocked version of the A12X on the same t8027 platform, each model has its own identifier and its own IPSW file. They are not interchangeable.

What is the final iPadOS for the original iPad Pro?

iPadOS 16.7.16 (build 20H392) is the last release for all four 1st-generation iPad Pro identifiers (iPad6,3 / 6,4 / 6,7 / 6,8). It remains signed.

Can I downgrade my iPad Pro to an older iPadOS version?

Only to a build Apple is still signing. Once a version is unsigned it can no longer be restored, so your options are limited to the currently signed builds shown on your model’s device page.

Which connector does my iPad Pro use?

The 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro use Lightning. The 3rd generation (2018) and all later models use USB-C.

Will iPad Pro get iPadOS 27?

The 3rd generation (2018, A12X) and later are expected to be supported. The 1st and 2nd gen are past their final iPadOS versions. Check the supported devices list for confirmation.