iPad13,8

iPad13,8

Beta IPSW RC Unsigned

iPadOS 26.4 RC

23E244

OS: iPadOS
Version: 26.4 RC
Build: 23E244
File Size: 10.23 GB
Released: March 18, 2026

Release Notes

This update introduces Playlist Playground and Concerts in Apple Music, and 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPad.

Apple Music

Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your description, complete with a title, description, and tracklist
Concerts helps you discover nearby shows from artists in your library and recommends new artists based on what you listen to
Offline Music Recognize in Control Center identifies songs without an internet connection and delivers results automatically when you’re back online
Ambient Music widget for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing brings curates playlists to the Home Screen
Full screen backgrounds give album and playlist pages a more immersive look

Accessibility

Reduce bright effects in Accessibility Settings limits bright flashes on UI elements when tapped
Subtitle and caption settings are easier to find when viewing media, with real-time preview available directly from the captions icon

This update also includes the following enhancements:

8 new emjoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
Compact tab bar option in Safari gives you more space to browse and lets you search directly from the active tab
Open window indicator appears when you switch to an app with hidden or minimized windows
Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio
Mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar or by touching and holding, and filter for urgent reminders in your Smart Lists
Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPad models. To learn more, please visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: https://support.apple.com/125039

Download IPSW

How to Install

iTunes / Finder

macOS & Windows

Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
Connect your iPad13,8 to your computer via USB.
Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
Hold Option ⌘ (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Check for Update or Restore iPhone…
Select the downloaded .ipsw file and follow the on‑screen instructions.
Wait for the process to complete — do not disconnect the device.

Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up with iCloud or Finder/iTunes before proceeding.

DFU Mode

Recovery tip

If your device is stuck in a boot loop or not recognised by iTunes/Finder, enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode first, then select the .ipsw file as normal.

iPhone 8 / X and later

Quickly press & release Volume Up
Quickly press & release Volume Down
Hold Side button until screen goes black
Hold Side + Volume Down for 5 s
Release Side, keep holding Volume Down for 5 more seconds
Black screen = DFU active

iPhone 7 / 7 Plus

Hold Sleep/Wake + Volume Down for 8 s
Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Volume Down for 5 s
Black screen = DFU active

iPhone 6s and earlier

Hold Sleep/Wake + Home for 8 s
Release Sleep/Wake, keep holding Home for 5 s
Black screen = DFU active

SHSH Blobs

Unsigned — too late to save

SHSH blobs are personalised cryptographic tickets Apple issues for a specific device and firmware. Saving blobs for a currently signed build lets you restore to it later using tools like futurerestore. iPadOS 26.4 RC is no longer signed.