Will resetting the iPad to original factory specs also reset it to its original version of iPadOS?

I have a very old iPad running ioS 10.3.3 It's got a game on it that will not run on any later ios. It is starting to have issues. I have a not so old iPad that I'd like to be able to reset to factory specs and then install the back-up from the very old iPad on the not so old iPad so that I can continue to run my favorite game. Will resetting the iPad to original factory specs also reset it to the ioS that was present when I purchased it?


Thanks.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad

Posted on Nov 14, 2023 10:55 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 14, 2023 11:13 AM

Unfortunately, what you are attempting to achieve simply isn't possible. Some explanation may be helpful...


1) Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/iPadOS is not possible.


All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.



2) Your iPad with iOS 10.3.3 installed is an iPad4. The iPad has a 32-bit system architecture - unlike current models that have 64-bit architectures.


App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13 - and have withdrawn older versions of their Apps from the Apple App Store.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 Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.



3) Apps cannot be directly transferred between devices. Similarly, while App data can be restored from a backup, Apps themselves and the installed OS are not included within an iCloud or iTunes backup.


Instead, Apps can be downloaded and installed on other devices that are signed-in to the App Store with same AppleID - but only if the App is compatible with the iPad and remains available for download.



In conclusion, you should now have a good understanding of the multiple factors that prevent what you hope to achieve.




5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 14, 2023 11:13 AM in response to jarmitron12

Unfortunately, what you are attempting to achieve simply isn't possible. Some explanation may be helpful...


1) Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/iPadOS is not possible.


All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.



2) Your iPad with iOS 10.3.3 installed is an iPad4. The iPad has a 32-bit system architecture - unlike current models that have 64-bit architectures.


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.



3) Apps cannot be directly transferred between devices. Similarly, while App data can be restored from a backup, Apps themselves and the installed OS are not included within an iCloud or iTunes backup.


Instead, Apps can be downloaded and installed on other devices that are signed-in to the App Store with same AppleID - but only if the App is compatible with the iPad and remains available for download.



In conclusion, you should now have a good understanding of the multiple factors that prevent what you hope to achieve.




This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Will resetting the iPad to original factory specs also reset it to its original version of iPadOS?

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