Newsroom Update

The redesigned iPad Air and new iPad Pro with Apple silicon are now available. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Drawing apps for iPad 4

I have been thinking about getting an iPad for a while to learn digital art, and was just gifted an older generation iPad 4, which i know is confined to iOS 10.3.3. I'm looking for apps i would be able to use to try my hand at it. I am also aware that I can't use Apple pencil but am looking into alternatives.

iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi

Posted on Oct 9, 2022 12:47 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 9, 2022 12:56 PM

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 The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete.


App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.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 than your iPad is capable, 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.

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 9, 2022 12:56 PM in response to KayBiersack

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.


App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for 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 than your iPad is capable, 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.

Oct 9, 2022 1:42 PM in response to KayBiersack

None.


Sorry.


Apple ended support for all 10-11-year old iOS devices 6 years, ago, in 2016.

Third party app developers abandoned and stopped supporting these 10-11 year old iOS devices 4 years, ago, in 2018.

There are, virtually, NO MORE third party apps available from the iOS App Store, any longer!

Third party compatible apps for such old devices are few and far between, now, in 2022.

This includes apps for both iOS 9 AND iOS 10 devices and, throughout 2022, ALL iOS 12 ONLY devices!

AND, NO WAY to, initially, install any older, compatible, third party apps into this old iPad, any longer!

NO MORE SUPPORT! NO MORE APPS!


All 2011-2012 iPad 2, 3, 4 and 1st gen iPad Mini models are fully and completely unsupported AND obsolete!

You won't find ANY third party apps for that iPad.


Sorry.


A 2012 iPad 4th gen has very limited use, now, in 2022.

That iPad is, now, over 10-years old.

It is simply too old.



Sorry & Good Luck to You!


Drawing apps for iPad 4

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.