The latest Apple device we own is a fourth-generation iPad Pro with a 12.9″ screen, along with the second-generation Pencil* and a Logitech Slim Folio Pro keyboard*.
Due to the use of other devices, this iPad had not been used for a long time and was running iPadOS 18.5 (22F76). After reading about misaka26 several times and realizing that there has been no realistically usable jailbreak for a long time, I wanted to upgrade this iPad to the maximum compatible version for misaka26: iPadOS 26.1. misaka26 is currently “unstable” and not recommended at the moment due to multiple reports of boot loops, etc., but being on a compatible version can’t be the worst thing. Especially since the probability that more could appear in the future up to this version is higher than with the subsequent iOS/iPadOS versions (albeit very low).
The official upgrade and downgrade window for iOS and iPadOS has been closed since December 19, 2025. However, for those who have not yet updated to iOS/iPadOS 26.1 or above, there is a workaround to still get to 26.1—DelayOTA.
This method should work until March 12, 2026, unless Apple unexpectedly closes the extended signing window earlier. Unlike most other users and tutorials, here are the steps I successfully took on Windows 11 Pro instead of macOS:
Step 1: Requirements (presumably optional)
The battery should be fully charged and remain so during major updates. Then, go to Settings and update to the highest iOS/iPadOS version available, 18.7.3 (22H217) – NOT 26, otherwise the latest version (26.2) will be installed and there will be no way back!
Step 2: iTunes
Ensure that iTunes is installed in the standalone version (not the one from the Microsoft Store!) and is up to date.
Step 3: Trust the computer
Connect the Apple device to the computer via USB and, if you haven't already done so, select “Trust this computer”. If everything is recognized in iTunes as expected, quit iTunes.
Step 4: Cowabunga Lite
Download and run Cowabunga Lite for Windows (v1.0.2). The connected device should be recognized and displayed with the correct operating system version and name.
Step 5: MDM supervision
In the “Setup Options” tab, check the box next to “Enable Supervision”; the name field can be left blank. Then go to the ‘Apply’ tab and click on “Apply Tweaks”.
Step 6: Check supervision
Wait a moment, the device will restart and the setup wizard will appear briefly. Do nothing, it will close by itself. Then open “Settings” and make sure that a new text with “…is managed by an organization…” appears in the upper area.
Step 7: Disconnect USB
The computer / Cowabunga Lite will not be needed again until later, so simply close it and remove it if necessary. Now continue on the device; the USB connection should be disconnected.
Step 8: Install tvOS beta profile
Install the tvOS 26 beta profile (archive.org) and activate it via Settings (“Profile loaded”). Perform the restart offered after installation.
Step 9: Check for software updates
After restarting, go to Settings and then General -> Software Update. There should now be no update to iOS/iPadOS 26 offered (“The software is up to date”).
Step 10: Download DelayOTA profile
Install the appropriate DelayOTA configuration profile; there is one for iPhones and one for iPads, among many other scenarios.
In my case (iPad Pro 4th), “iPadOS 26.1 (23B85)” was correct under “iPadOS (devices supporting iPadOS 26).” Simply tap “Download profile” in the browser on the device.
Step 11: Install profile
Install the profile in the settings as before (“Profile loaded”) and confirm. Under “General”, you should now see the tvOS beta and the new DelayOTA profile under “VPN and Device Management”, both of which should be active.
Step 12: Remove tvOS beta profile
Now remove the previously installed tvOS beta profile and restart your device as prompted.
Step 13: Check the results
Now, when you perform a normal search for updates (Settings -> General -> Software Update), the “Update to iOS 26” button should reappear, and when you tap on it, the desired version 26.1 should be offered instead of 26.2!
Step 14: Update to 26.1
Now simply install the update to 26.1 as intended by Apple. Depending on your device, this may take a while.
Step 15: Remove supervision
If the message still appears in the system after the update, simply reconnect the device via USB, uncheck “Enable Supervision” in Cowabunga Lite, and click “Apply Tweaks” again to remove it.
This will also trigger a restart and a short setup wizard that will disappear on its own. After that, everything should be as it was before.
Step 16: Block future updates
To block future, potentially automatic updates, I recommend reinstalling the tvOS beta profile. This will prevent the system from finding iOS/iPadOS updates and it will always report that “the software is up to date.” Of course, it also makes sense to turn off automatic updates.
Step 17: Finished
That was it. Personally, I won't be installing anything related to misaka26 until the whole thing is more mature. But the stars are now better aligned than before as a basis for the future.