Great question! Losing important messages after an update is super frustrating, but don’t worry, there are a few things you can try to recover them.
First, check your iCloud backups. If you had iCloud Backup enabled, your messages might be stored there. You can restore your iPad from a recent backup, but remember, this will overwrite your current data, so back up anything new first!
Another option is to check if the messages are still on your iPhone. Sometimes, due to syncing issues, messages might disappear from one device but remain on another. Also, some third-party apps specialize in recovering deleted data from iOS devices. These apps scan your device for recoverable data, but their success can vary.
Good luck, and I hope you get those messages back!