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Using Ipad 1 as reader

Has anyone able to convert their ipad 1 to an e-reader, all I'm getting is I need to update my os or app is not supported.

Posted on Jul 25, 2022 11:09 PM

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Posted on Jul 26, 2022 8:23 AM

Individual developers decide which versions of iOS they are going to support with their apps. All of the popular ereader apps are no longer available for iOS versions older than iOS 14. That means ereader apps from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google, Walmart (they have one too) and so on will not be available for an iPad 1 as the developers have pulled their older app versions from distribution.


Most developers only support the current iOS version and possibly the previous but they generally drop support for anything older and pull those older versions of their apps from the App Store.

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Jul 26, 2022 8:23 AM in response to 99altezza

Individual developers decide which versions of iOS they are going to support with their apps. All of the popular ereader apps are no longer available for iOS versions older than iOS 14. That means ereader apps from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google, Walmart (they have one too) and so on will not be available for an iPad 1 as the developers have pulled their older app versions from distribution.


Most developers only support the current iOS version and possibly the previous but they generally drop support for anything older and pull those older versions of their apps from the App Store.

Jul 25, 2022 11:14 PM in response to 99altezza

99altezza Said:

"Using Ipad 1 as reader: Has anyone able to convert their ipad 1 to an e-reader, all I'm getting is I need to update my os or app is not supported."

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Get an eReader:

Your iPad 1 only has iOS9 capabilities, at the very most. So, you have quite an obsolete device. The best route from here would be to save a few, and get an eReader --something commonly found on Amazon. I would also take this as a good reason to upgrade to a much more recent device, for compatibility concerns.

Jul 26, 2022 4:18 AM in response to 99altezza

The first generation iPad cannot be updated beyond iOS 5.1.1. The iPad1, a 32-bit device, is long ago obsolete.


You need to consider that compatible Apps for your iPad are not available - as developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and most for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. As older versions of Apps are removed/retired 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.


As such, if you want or need to access current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable of support, you have no alternative other than to consider replacement of your iPad with a much newer or current model.


Of current models, even the cheapest entry-level iPad9 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 succinct clarity as to your available options - and the fundamental limitations of your iPad1.


Jul 26, 2022 8:05 AM in response to 99altezza

To use your iPad as eReader, you’ll need to install an appropriate App - for example, Kindle.


As there are now no compatible Apps available for your iPad1 - and the iPad cannot be updated to a [much] more recent version of iOS/iPadOS - your iPad has likely well beyond its useful life.


Sorry, but obsolete really does mean obsolete…

Using Ipad 1 as reader

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