iSpark (IAA) + Spark LE Hardware on iPadOS 18.7.3: Still working?

[noou]

Hi everyone,
I’m running a DAWless setup on iPad Pro M1 (iPadOS 17.7.2) centered around AUM and iSpark (Arturia) with the Spark LE USB controller.

I’m weighing the jump to iPadOS 18.7.3 (via Developer Beta channel) to secure longevity and App Store compatibility, while skipping the unknowns of iPadOS 26. Since 17.7.2 is no longer signed, this is my final one-way ticket to a stable v18.

Key concerns for iSpark (IAA-only, legacy):

• IAA Stability: Does iSpark still load reliably in AUM/Audiobus on 18.7.x? Any background audio or "zombie process" issues?​
• Spark LE Hardware: Does the controller still handshaking correctly via USB-C hubs? Are MIDI mapping and pad response still 1:1?
• General Performance: Have you noticed USB stack issues, Link jitters, or latency spikes on M1 compared to v17?

If you are a Spark/IAA user on 18.7, your real-world feedback would be a lifesaver. Thanks!

[mindnoise]

Hi there,

I am on an iPad Pro M2 on iPadOS 26.2 and I can confirm that iSpark is working as IAA in AUM (1.4.8.) I don't have the controller. I only did a quick check but have seen no issues. Even iPadOS 26 Windowing-feature works with iSpark, which makes IAA switching less of a PIA.

For USB-C Hubs, when it works now it will a do on higher OS. At least all my USB-MIDI-gear behaves the same since I got my USB-C iPad ~2 years ago.

So I guess 26 is save.

But since Arturia has left the iOS-Building there is no more development and if iSpark is that important to you, there is no need to upgrade at all. Your apps that work for you now will do until the iPad dies. There is nothing iOS 18+ would add to your specific workflow.

But IAA will be removed from AUM eventually. So be careful not to accidentially update AUM to a version version without IAA. But to be sure I'd suggest contacting the developer about this.



cheers

[noou]

Thanks a lot!
I guess that means that iPadOS 18 is even safer, at least concerning iSpark and the IAA layer.