Why can't the AppStore download site continute to support prior versions of Apps for MSNBC and the NY Times (for example)?

Question

Why can't the AppStore download site continute to support prior versions of Apps for MSNBC and the NY Times (for example)?

So I just talked with a NY Times agent about this problem and

she told me that this was Apple’s problem. So, of course, I called Apple

tech support. The tech there is currently searching for a solution but

the Apple help article says that it is the 3rd party developer’s

problem. I think it’s both my problem and the NY Times problem to

solve but maybe it's a shared problem. The work around to download the app at a previous version that would work on the IOS 10.4 worked until yesterday. Now it doesn’t.

As I explained to the agent at the Times I can still access my account on my PC

and read the times there, but that is not sufficient. At the end of my conversation I was told, in a very nice way, that I should just buy a new Ipad. I imagine that this may be a systemic problem.

Please help.

iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular

Posted on Jan 11, 2020 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MichelPM

Level 10

81,278 points

Jan 13, 2020 5:45 AM in response to NY_TimesSubscriber

A 4th gen iPad cannot be upgraded beyond iOS 10.3.3/10.3.4.

A 4th gen iPad is a nearly 7-1/2-year old device, now!

Its internal hardware is too old, underpowered and completely incompatible with any current and future versions of iOS.

Sorry. It is what it is at this very late date.

If you need an iPad that can run the latest and greatest versions of iOS, as well as, the most current apps available, then, you will need to purchase a new iPad from Apple or a discounted, refurbished iPad from Apple’s Refurbished & Clearance section of Apple’s Website.

These old iPad 2,3, 4, 1st gen iPad Mini models are nearing 8 and 9-years old, now.

As of the beginning of 2019, many, MANY third party app developers are all more quickly and completely dropping older app support for all old 7, 8 and 9-year iPads that are running 2-3 year old and earlier iOS versions.

Third party app developers are removing all of their older, legacy versions of their apps from Apple's App Store servers, now.

Older versions of apps are going to be gone for good, now!

Getting older versions of app for these old iPad models, initially from Apple’s iOS App Store is getting to be very difficult and problematic, now, and will only be getting much worse in the year 2020.

These old iPads are now reaching their complete end of life and support.

Old iPads that can no longer be upgraded/updated will have NO MORE APPS AVAILABLE for initial download, at all, soon, from the Apple iOS App Store, for such old iOS devices in the very near future.

Older versions of apps for older iPads will be completely gone, very soon!

Time to now seriously consider a new or discounted, refurbished iPad from Apple.

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

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Answer 2

Elitegate

Level 6

8,212 points

Jan 11, 2020 9:54 AM in response to NY_TimesSubscriber

Well, it is a systematic problem (if you have meant that), if not, i'm sorry. Many people have the same question as you and they ask every single day.

But yes, the easiest solution is to buy a new (or refurbished) current-gen device.

Your iPad is just very old at this point in time now (over 7 years), and app support is limited.

There is no other solution i am aware of - if there is no last compatible version, you are out of luck.

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Why can't the AppStore download site continute to support prior versions of Apps for MSNBC and the NY Times (for example)?

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