I chose to buy iPAD for the apps that it supports and I could use in my everyday life. iPAD 2 can only update maximum to iOS 9.3.5 and many of the applications do not support this version of the iOS anymore.
Now I feel like I am stuck with a very well working device that serves no purpose in my life, but has also almost lost all it's value in the market. What are the options in this case?
iPad 2, iOS 9
If you give us an idea of what apps you were trying to install on that iPad, we maybe be better able to tell you if the possibility of an older iOS version may or may not exist.
You would still need to follow my older iTunes procedures to be able to obtain these older apps on that iPad 2, though.
There are only two avenues to attempt to get older apps for that iPad.
Otherwise, it maybe time to just recycle this iPad.
I own an iPad 2, but have had apps on it for years, so there are no issues for me to keep using mine.
Anyone who is just obtaining or using one of these very old iPads now is going to have lots of difficulties getting compatible apps initially from the iOS App Store app.
Hi MichelPM,
Whilst sarcasm might be accepted as something 'clever' in your local culture, it does not provide any helpful answer in my situation. If something works and you are happy with it, why change it? - It feels like I am forced to upgrade when I shouldn't need it. What I have is functional and I kept it in a good state so it could last as much as it serves my needs.
If an application is not supporting the older iOS anymore, I see it as something driven for Apple....disregarding the amount of people that have fully functional devices and they do not wish to upgrade their hardware.
I would expect then or now, for a re-imbursement or option being in place. Else is like renting an iPAD rather buying it. In a similar example, I have workstations 15+ y.o. who still work fine serve the purposes I use them for, even if the software upgrades.
Mobile devices by ANY manufacturer get supported for a much shorter time than a full featured computer.
To stay relevant, cutting edge, up to date and to compete in the mobile device space, makers, like Apple, cannot afford to support their mobile devices for 10, 15, 20 years!
This is never going to happen.
Apple supports its devices for between 4-6 years with third app developers continuing to support these older devices for another 2-3 years!
Apple supports their mobile devices longer than any other mobile device maker in the marketplace.
The iPad 2 has reached that limit.
2019 is the year many third party app developers have decided to abandon older iOS devices and older iOS versions of their apps.
Besides, the technology in that iPad is nearly 9-years old and the newer iOS versions would never run well on such an old device.
You'd be signing up here to moan and groan and whine and complain about how turtle slow your iPad 2 is running IF it could run iOS 10 or later.
Besides and as a matter of fact,
Apple is NOT responsible for what third party app developers decide what iOS devices and what iOS versions these app developers decide to support, or not.
Your “beef” is with the third party app developers and NOT with Apple.
If third party app developers want to drop support for older iDevices and older iOS versions, that is their decision and right/perogative to do so.
Apple does not control any software developers/companies and does not control the software they develop and what they choose to do with it!
If you own a computer that you can install iTunes on, you might/maybe able to take advantage of my procedures in this link below.
Older versions of some apps may still exist in the iOS App Store, despite the fact the apps may have moved on to an higher
minimum iOS version, now.
If you need older versions of apps that have moved on to iOS 10 and later, tap on my link below and choose the
method that best works with your current situation.
CAREFULLY read and follow ALL directions. Especially so for my computer/older iTunes procedures.
Any of my procedures/solutions work!
Downloading Older iOS 9.3.5 Versions of A… - Apple Community
A HUGE Disclaimer.
Apps may or may not have older iOS 9.3.5 versions still available from within the iOS App Store.
The availability of older apps for older iOS devices and versions is SOLELY up to the decision/discretion of the app
developer and NOT by Apple!
There is no way to know what older version apps,if any, app developers have left on Apple's iOS App Store servers.
There are ONLY a couple of ways to try/attempt to get an older version of an app.
Pick the method that works best for your situation/circumstances.
Also, I would STOP using that over 3-year old Safari Web browser, as it is, probably, not safe and secure to use any longer, and seek out a third party web browser that is STILL currently being updated and STILL being supported on iOS 9.3.5.
Heed my advice on this issue in my above link.
Good Luck!
How long ago did you purchase this nearly 9-year old iPad 2?
Many thanks for your extensive answer. Very much appreciated and I will agree with many of your points. I am assuming that I might have to Recycle the device now.
Well, you knew that this device is very old, right? It's almost 9 years old. Why do you buy such an old device? When did you buy it? This year? Could have also bought a current gen iPad from Apple directly that will be fully supported for many more years to come.
I also appreciate older devices and i have nostalgia for older Apple Devices, and i while i can still own them, i need to understand that they cannot be used for every day tasks such as installing third-party apps. The OS is simply too old for that matter.
iPAD 2 in good shape, but useless without the apps i want to use
