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Hi. I reset the setting on my iPad Mini to give to my grandparent. I created a new account, everything was fine. But when I tried to download some apps, like Chrome, WhatsApp etc, it said that I need a newer update version. My version is 9.3.6. But it need at least 10.0.0 to download it. When I tried to update it, it took a very long time to prepare for the update, but nothing happened (I waited all day). My question is: can I download an update, or the iPad is too old already? Or maybe can I download older versions of the apps I need?

Posted on Aug 1, 2020 2:51 AM

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Posted on Aug 1, 2020 3:15 AM

Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad if you should you ever need reset or restore your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad7 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


I hope this information provides helpful and succinct clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.


2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Aug 1, 2020 3:15 AM in response to Th3froGG

Your very old first generation iPad mini can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).


Apple ended update support for iPad mini in September 2016. Your iPad mini cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed - in addition to which, iPad mini is a 32-bit architecture device, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms.


You may wish to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are increasingly difficult to find - as third-party developers are increasingly dropping support for older versions of iOS preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed from the Apple App Store, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad if you should you ever need reset or restore your iPad. As such, if you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.


Of current models, even the entry-level iPad7 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.


I hope this information provides helpful and succinct clarity as to your available options - and the limitations of your current iPad mini.


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