How to downgrade iPadOS 27 to 26 without data loss? - Tekedia

Apple now allows iPadOS 27 devices to downgrade only to a currently signed iPadOS 26 release, not all the way back to iPadOS 18.

The main official method is a Recovery Mode restore through Finder, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app, but it wipes the iPad.

A third-party repair tool is presented as an alternative path, though users should verify Apple’s signing status first.

Backups made on iPadOS 27 cannot be restored to iPadOS 26, so the guidance stresses checking compatibility to avoid data loss.