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iPad NOT COMPATIBLE

While downloading every app on App store it's showing "[APP NAME] is not compatible with this iPad."

Posted on Apr 6, 2021 11:53 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 7, 2021 3:55 AM

You are clearly attempting to install an App that requires a higher version of iOS/iPadOS than your iPad is capable of supporting - or if your iPad is capable of update, has not yet been updated to its highest supported version of iOS/iPadOS.


Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.2


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.2.


You need to be aware that many App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 11/12/13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions). 


Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you may need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS14.


Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the potential limitations of your existing iPad.



2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 7, 2021 3:55 AM in response to nitalagarwal

You are clearly attempting to install an App that requires a higher version of iOS/iPadOS than your iPad is capable of supporting - or if your iPad is capable of update, has not yet been updated to its highest supported version of iOS/iPadOS.


Whether or not you are able to update your iPad to a newer version of iOS/iPadOS will be dictated by your iPad model - and the currently installed version of iOS. You can find this information here:

Settings > General > About


Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.


Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.2


Newer models, not appearing in this list, are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 14.4.2.


You need to be aware that many App developers have dropped support for iOS versions preceding iOS 11/12/13.x for technical reasons (often because APIs or software libraries upon which they rely have been updated in the new version of iPadOS, making their App incompatible with earlier versions). 


Whilst many App titles remain compatible with your iPad, if you want or need to access to Apps requiring the most recent versions of iOS, you may need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model that supports iPadOS14.


Sorry, I appreciate that this may not be what you were hoping to learn.


I hope this information provides helpful clarity as to your available options - and the potential limitations of your existing iPad.



iPad NOT COMPATIBLE

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