About This Firmware
iPadOS 26.6
(build 23G71) is an official Apple IPSW
for the iPad Air 11-inch (M3, Cellular),
released on 2026-07-27.
The download is 9.88 GB and is served directly from Apple's CDN.
This firmware is currently signed by Apple, so it can be used to restore or update your device via iTunes or Finder.
Verify the download using the checksums below.
Filename
iPad15,3,iPad15,4,iPad15,5,iPad15,6_26.6_23G71_Restore.ipsw
Checksums
SHA-256
659ff9e9e77fab23e0aab1523a8fd01cac6eb0f8ad028b22810b8d64f0d82ec4
SHA-1
68b604090a8e4ee8f8e64b674a133c443767ca7f
MD5
fb9aa9c848304b66237f4951fb2d65f0
Direct URL
https://updates.cdn-apple.com/2026SummerFCS/fullrestores/140-57887/5713215E-7923-4102-8D3C-0B03DA847759/iPad15,3,iPad15,4,iPad15,5,iPad15,6_26.6_23G71_Restore.ipsw
Other Devices
iPad Air 5 (Cellular)
iPad13,17
iPad mini 5 (Cellular)
iPad11,2
iPad Pro (10.5-inch, Cellular)
iPad7,4
iPad (A16, Cellular)
iPad15,8
iPad Air 11-inch (M4, Cellular)
iPad16,9
iPad Pro (11-inch, Cellular) (3rd generation)
iPad13,5
How to Restore with This IPSW
iTunes / Finder
macOS & Windows- Download the .ipsw file to your computer.
- Connect your iPad Air 11-inch (M3, Cellular) via USB.
- Open iTunes (Windows / macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina+) and select your device.
- Update (keep data): hold Option (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and click Update, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Restore (erase & install): hold Option / Shift and click Restore iPhone…, then pick the .ipsw file.
- Wait for the process to finish - do not disconnect.
Restoring will erase all data on the device. Back up first.
3uTools
Windows- Download and install 3uTools from 3u.com.
- Connect your iPad Air 11-inch (M3, Cellular) via USB and trust the computer on the device.
- Go to Flash & JB > Easy Flash.
- Click Import and select the downloaded .ipsw file.
- Choose Flash mode: Update keeps data, Restore wipes the device.
- Click Flash and wait for the progress bar to complete - do not disconnect.
Only flash firmware that matches your exact device model.
DFU Mode
Recovery tipIf your device is stuck in a boot loop or iTunes/Finder does not recognise it, enter DFU 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, hold Volume Down 5 more s
- 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