The iPad Pro 2021 does receive Phase 2 updates, but not all models get them at the same time

Apple releases iPad updates in phases, and the 2021 iPad Pro is included in Phase 2 rollouts — though the timing depends on which storage size you own and which Wi-Fi or cellular model you have. Phase 2 typically arrives weeks after the initial Phase 1 release, once Apple has monitored early adopters for problems. Your device will notify you when an update is ready, and you can also check manually in Settings.

The 2021 iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. Both receive the same software versions, but Apple sometimes staggers the Phase 2 release across different storage capacities and connectivity options. This means a 256GB Wi-Fi model might receive Phase 2 a week or two before a 2TB cellular model, even though they are the same generation.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2021 iPad Pro receives Phase 2 updates as part of Apple's standard rollout schedule, though the exact timing varies by storage size and connectivity type.
  • Phase 2 updates arrive several weeks after Phase 1, giving Apple time to identify and fix problems reported by early adopters.
  • You can check for available updates in Settings by going to General, then Software Update, without waiting for an automatic notification.
  • Connecting to Wi-Fi and plugging in power overnight increases the chance your device will download and install Phase 2 when it becomes available.

How to check if Phase 2 is ready for your iPad Pro 2021

Open Settings on your iPad Pro and tap General. Then tap Software Update. If Phase 2 is ready for your device, you will see a message showing the new version number and the option to download and install it. If you see "Your software is up to date," Phase 2 has not yet rolled out to your specific model and storage configuration.

The version number tells you which phase you are on. Phase 1 updates usually end in .1 or .2 (like 17.1 or 17.2), while Phase 2 updates typically end in .3 or .4. If you are unsure which phase you are currently running, that same Software Update screen shows your current version at the top.

Why Phase 2 arrives later than Phase 1

Apple releases updates in phases to catch problems before they reach everyone. Phase 1 goes to a smaller group first — usually people who turned on automatic updates or checked manually on day one. If a bug causes crashes, battery drain, or connectivity issues, Apple's engineers see it quickly and can pause the rollout or prepare a fix.

Phase 2 begins only after Apple has monitored Phase 1 for several weeks and confirmed the update is stable. This approach means you are less likely to install a broken update, but it also means you may wait longer than users on other devices. The 2021 iPad Pro is a popular device, so it typically reaches Phase 2 within three to four weeks of the initial release.

What to do if Phase 2 is not showing up yet

If you have checked Software Update multiple times and Phase 2 is not there, your device may simply be in a later batch. Apple does not announce which devices get Phase 2 on which dates — the rollout is gradual and based on device identifiers that Apple tracks internally.

To speed things up slightly, connect your iPad Pro to Wi-Fi, plug it into power, and leave it on overnight. Apple downloads updates in the background when these conditions are met, and your device may receive Phase 2 during that window. You can also try restarting your iPad Pro and checking Software Update again, though this rarely changes when Phase 2 arrives.

If you are waiting for a specific fix — for example, a known issue with a particular app or feature — check Apple's official security updates page or the release notes for that version. Sometimes a problem is fixed in Phase 1, and Phase 2 is simply a routine maintenance release with no urgent fixes.

Storage size and connectivity affect rollout timing

The 2021 iPad Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB models, with both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular options. Apple's Phase 2 rollout does not treat all of these the same. Typically, smaller storage sizes and Wi-Fi-only models receive Phase 2 first, while larger capacities and cellular models follow a week or two later.

This staggered approach helps Apple manage server load — if millions of devices tried to download Phase 2 simultaneously, Apple's servers would be overwhelmed. By releasing to smaller groups first, Apple ensures the download and installation process stays smooth for everyone.

What Phase 2 usually includes

Phase 2 updates for the 2021 iPad Pro are typically minor releases that fix bugs found during Phase 1. You might see improvements to battery life, fixes for apps that crash under certain conditions, or patches for security vulnerabilities. Phase 2 rarely adds new features — those usually come in major version releases (like jumping from iPadOS 17 to iPadOS 18).

The release notes for Phase 2 are published on Apple's website and in the Software Update screen itself. Before you install, you can read what changed and decide whether the fixes matter to you. Most users should install Phase 2 because it makes the system more stable, but there is no penalty for waiting a few more weeks if you prefer to let others test it first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I force my iPad Pro 2021 to get Phase 2 faster?

Not directly. Apple controls the rollout schedule, and there is no setting to jump ahead. Connecting to Wi-Fi, plugging in power, and restarting your device may help it download Phase 2 when it becomes available to your device, but you cannot bypass Apple's staggered release.

What if Phase 2 breaks something on my iPad Pro?

If Phase 2 causes a problem, you can restart your iPad Pro first — this fixes many temporary issues. If the problem persists, go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for a newer Phase 2 release (like .4 or .5), which may include a fix. As a last resort, you can contact Apple Support with details about what is broken.

Do I have to install Phase 2 when it arrives?

No. You can delay Phase 2 indefinitely, though Apple will eventually stop supporting older versions. For security reasons, most users should install Phase 2 within a few months of its release, but there is no immediate deadline.

Will Phase 2 slow down my iPad Pro 2021?

Phase 2 updates are designed to improve performance or keep it the same. They rarely make devices slower. If your iPad Pro feels sluggish after Phase 2, restart it first — a fresh start often clears temporary slowdowns caused by background processes.

Is Phase 2 the same for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021?

Yes. Both sizes receive the same software versions and Phase 2 updates. The only difference is that they may receive Phase 2 on slightly different dates depending on storage size and connectivity type.