Apple Releases iOS 11.3 Update Solely for New iPad - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases iOS 11.3 Update Solely for New iPad

Apple today released the long-awaited iOS 11.3 update, but it appears the software is only available for download on the sixth-generation iPad, which was announced yesterday at an education event in Chicago.

The sixth-generation iPad went on sale yesterday, but the first orders won't be delivered until later this week and the device is not yet in stores.

ipaddisplaydesign
Customers with the new iPad can download iOS 11.3 over-the-air using the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software Update.

iOS 11.3 introduces a long list of new features, such as Messages on iCloud for storing your iMessages in iCloud to save valuable on-device storage space.

The update also introduces ARKit 1.5, a new version of ARKit that allows developers to do more with augmented reality apps, and it includes a "Battery Health" feature designed to provide iOS users with more information about their batteries.

Other new features include new review sorting options in the App Store, software authentication for HomeKit devices, Business Chat for contacting businesses using iMessage, and more.

It's not clear why Apple has released iOS 11.3 for the new iPad and not for any other devices, but the surprise launch suggests the release of iOS 11.3 for other Apple products is imminent and could perhaps come later this week.

Related Forum: iOS 11

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What to Expect Later This Year

Friday May 8, 2026 2:07 pm PDT by
While not too much has been reported about the next Apple Watch models, there are a few rumors about potential design changes and watchOS 27 features. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to be released in September, and we have outlined some of the key rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was...

Top Rated Comments

maflynn Avatar
106 months ago
This proves ios 11 was always catered to iPads and an afterthought mostly on iPhones
No it doesn't. It just means that the new iPad needed an update.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chucker23n1 Avatar
106 months ago
With Cook, software release cycles are a f mess
Under Steve Jobs, iOS 3.2 was iPad-only, and then iOS 4.0 and 4.1 were iPhone-only. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
[doublepost=1522257949][/doublepost]
Surely this is because the new iPad comes with 11.3 and therefore 11.3 is needed for anyone that needs a restore?
Maybe.

Could also be simply that they're tracking down an iPhone-specific bug.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
106 months ago
under cook, software release cycles are a mess
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Steve121178 Avatar
106 months ago
Why?, think im going to ditch iOS
Calm down, it's not like 11.3 has been cancelled.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
106 months ago
Surely this is because the new iPad comes with 11.3 and therefore 11.3 is needed for anyone that needs a restore?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fokmik Avatar
106 months ago
So whats the point for this release today? since even the single one device that supports this isn't out yet until Friday or Monday
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)