iPad Firmware Download Guide
iPad firmware download links can be found on our download page and can only be updated if you connect your device to your computer and actually let your computer do the work for you.
The “App Store” on the device updates applications, but cannot update the device itself. You’re right that if you’re running, say, 3.2 and want to update to iPad firmware operating system 3.2.1, you’re stuck if you do not connect it up and sync it with a Mac or PC.
You cannot proceed very far with updating your software version initially without connecting it up to a computer, so probably you already have a Windows PC or Mac OS X system that is the “master” system. Yes?
If so, here’s how things should proceed with an iPad firmware update…
Updating you iPad Firmware
First of all, see what software version you are using, then on your device, tap on Settings -> General -> About. It will list alot of useful information :
As you see from the above image, we are starting this update process with a system software version 3.2.
When you connect your device to a PC or Mac and look into iTunes, the system knows already, that there is an available update and informs you :
So click on “Download and Install” and you may find out that you have forgot to backup some apps on your device to your computer. This shouldn’t matter since an iPad Firmware update will not wipe your device clean, but let’s assume that the Apple folk know what they’re talking about and back up my purchased apps.
To back up your purchased items, here’s a little iTunes secret: You can Ctrl-Click on your device entry in iTunes and find that there are some interesting menu items that aren’t part of the usual interaction :
Choose “Transfer Purchases” and after a moment or two you’re left kinda back where you started from :
Click on “Update” and now you can proceed…
iOS 3.2.1 sounds good. Click on “Update” and then check out what Apple’s giving you in terms of what’s in this particular update :
It’s all looks good, Click on “Next” and…
Click on “Next” again.
Meanwhile, in the iTunes window you can see that things are indeed progressing, though it takes about five minutes to download this iOS update :
Once it’s downloaded, you see it unpack :
Verify it’s correct (through what’s called a checksum algorithm :
Now it’s time for iTunes to take over control of your device :
Transfer the new software version onto your device :
Make sure nothing got messed up along the way :
And actually install the new software version on your device :
That’s all there is to it. Lots of steps, but really, it’s quite easy. When you’re done, go back to Settings -> General -> About and you should find that you now have the newer iPad firmware:
That’s everything. Good luck with the update! iPad Firmware.