What you should know
“`html
- iPadOS 17.4.1 is required for iPad (7th Generation), iPad (6th Generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Generation), and iPad Pro 10.5-inch models to fix an issue with scanning QR codes.
- Older iPhone and iPad models, including iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and certain iPad Pro versions, received updates iOS 16.7.7 and iPadOS 16.7.7 to address unspecified issues.
- Before the release of iPadOS 17.4.1, Apple recommended using the Code Scanner feature in the Control Center as a workaround for scanning QR codes.
- Apple released iOS 17.4 on March 6th, which led to the loss of QR code scanning support on certain iPad models, with iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 beta releases expected soon.
“`
Full Story
Got an iPad from the list? The 7th Gen? Or maybe the 6th? Or even one of those fancy iPad Pros, the 12.9-inch or the 10.5-inch? Well, if QR codes have been giving you the cold shoulder, there’s a fix on the horizon. You’ll need to snag iPadOS 17.4.1.
Here’s the drill. Dive into your Settings. Navigate to General, then tap Software Update. Follow the breadcrumbs from there to update your device. Remember, this isn’t just a random update. It’s the one that’ll get those pesky QR codes scanning again.
Oh, and in case you missed it, iOS 17.4.1 and its sibling for iPads rolled out last Thursday. They weren’t playing favorites. The update was for a whole bunch of devices – from the iPhone XS onward, covering a range of iPads too. We’re talking iPad Pro (both sizes), iPad Air (3rd Gen and up), the 6th Gen iPad, and even the iPad mini (5th Gen and beyond).
But wait, there’s more. Older gadgets weren’t left in the dust. iOS 16.7.7 and iPadOS 16.7.7 came to the rescue for the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and the X. Plus, some iPads got love too – the 5th Gen, the 9.7-inch Pro, and the first-gen 12.9-inch Pro. Apple was a bit mysterious about what these updates were patching up, though. They just teased us with a “Details coming soon.”
Before all this update jazz, Apple had a workaround for iPad users struggling with QR codes. They suggested using the Code Scanner in the Control Center. Not sure how to get there? Easy. Settings, then Control Center. Hit the green button with a plus next to Code Scanner. To use it, just swipe down from the right corner, tap the Code Scanner, and aim at the QR code. If it’s dark, there’s a flashlight button to light things up.
Interestingly, the QR code issue popped up right after iOS 17.4 hit the scene on March 6th. That’s when those specific iPad models started giving the cold shoulder to QR codes.
And for those who like to stay ahead, keep your eyes peeled. The first beta versions of iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 are rumored to be dropping soon. Who knows what surprises they’ll bring?
