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Hello support

I have ipad 3rd generation I need to update to iOS 10 because some applications I can't download

Posted on Sep 30, 2021 5:12 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 30, 2021 5:21 AM

Firstly, in posting here you are not communicating with Apple Support. The Apple Support Communities are a forum where contributors share knowledge and insight in helping to resolve technical problems. For the most part, we are all end-users, just like you.


If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.


Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 supports current iPadOS 15 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the fundamental limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 30, 2021 5:21 AM in response to nadjib224

Firstly, in posting here you are not communicating with Apple Support. The Apple Support Communities are a forum where contributors share knowledge and insight in helping to resolve technical problems. For the most part, we are all end-users, just like you.


If your iPad is currently running, or cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3/4, then have an iPad4.


Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete.


Many App Developers have also dropped support for 32-bit devices and iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 supports current iPadOS 15 - and has hardware specifications and capabilities that vastly outperform your old iPad4.


I hope this information is helpful - if only in clearly stating the fundamental limitations of your iPad4 and your available options.

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