Updating apps that require a newer version of IOS

I've decided to hold of on updating my iPad until the WiFi/4.2.1 issues are worked out. Since then I've ran into an issue with two apps that required 4.2 or higher. No big deal there. They download then don't install, and when I connect to iTunes, it says my IOS needs to be updated for the app.

My question is when you go into the update page of the App Store on the iPad, does it only show updates in which you are able to install the update on your running version of IOS? I was hoping it would allow me to "click" the app that it says there is an update for, but that doesn't work. So far I've searched for the app again to check it's requirements. Works but time-consuming.

Basically, I don't want to update something then it go "this version requires a newer IOS." and then it just leave me without my app. I'm not sure if that's how it would behave, but I don't want something to happen with one of the apps I use regularly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

iPad, Other OS

Posted on Dec 23, 2010 2:34 PM

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17 replies

Dec 23, 2010 2:45 PM in response to paulmanac

Hi and welcome paulmanac...


but I don't want something to happen with one of the apps I use regularly.


The problem with not updating your iPad software is that sooner or later one of those apps will be updated by the developer (not Apple) and require the 4.2.1 update or higher at some point.

I've not had a single problem since updating to 4.2.1 with any of my apps or my iPad as a whole.







Carolyn 🙂

Dec 23, 2010 2:53 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Here's the thing... I work in IT. There's a reason why a good admin doesn't turn on "Automatic Updates" because sometimes updates don't work. Perhaps the issues with WiFi are only a batch of iPads, perhaps it's only with certain routers, or perhaps it's trolls. I don't know... but until I'm satisfied with the results people are getting with the update OR I have no choice, I'm not updating. There's no dishonor in waiting for a patch if it is not critical and you can get by without it for the time being. Right now, there's too much uncertainty for me to make my iPad an expensive way to play Angry Birds. If I can't connect to the Internet with it, it's not very useful to me.

If and when an app needs an update that doesn't work with 3.2.2, it just won't get updated. If I get to that point where I have to update, I'll cross my fingers and go for it.

That said, if someone has an answer to my question about the apps and their behavior in the Update portion of the App Store, that would be great.

Dec 23, 2010 3:45 PM in response to Philly_Phan

We're suppose to have wifi problems now?
Why does no one tell me these things?

Is there some kind of SMS service I need to subscribe to?
Of course since my wifi isn't suppose to be working I wouldn't get it tho'. 😉

Update your iPad.
I have been using apple stuff for a few years-every update that comes out a small percentage of people report problems. I have yet to have been bitten by any, then again I do not hack my software, install questionable system hacks, modify my stuff in ways not intended, etc.

Dec 23, 2010 3:59 PM in response to Philly_Phan

My question was:

+My question is when you go into the update page of the App Store on the iPad, does it only show updates in which you are able to install the update on your running version of IOS? I was hoping it would allow me to "click" the app that it says there is an update for, but that doesn't work. So far I've searched for the app again to check it's requirements. Works but time-consuming.+

+Basically, I don't want to update something then it go "this version requires a newer IOS." and then it just leave me without my app. I'm not sure if that's how it would behave, but I don't want something to happen with one of the apps I use regularly.+

... not an opinion on updating the IOS.

Dec 23, 2010 4:08 PM in response to paulmanac

My answer was:

+The up-date page assumes that you have the latest IOS and therefore shows all updates.+

+The number of individuals reporting WiFi problems allegedly caused by 4.2.1 is minuscule in comparison to the iPads in use.+

I answered your question and I added assurance that an update is safe. It wasn't an opinion. It was fact.

If that's not satisfactory, go elsewhere for an answer that meets your requirements.

Dec 23, 2010 5:42 PM in response to Philly_Phan

Paulmanac, I am doing the same as you, because so many are reporting issues with the new OS, I have not updated. When I notice there are updates to apps, I click on each app individually (yes, very tedious since I use my computer for 3 ipods and 1 ipad but to me it's worth it.) and 1. read the reviews to see if the new app update is worth it 2. check to see what OS the new app update requires (this is shown under the picture of the app under REQUIREMENTS)
So, yes, there is a way to check the app BEFORE you update to be sure that it does not require the new OS that you (and I) don't want to download. I hope this helps you.

Dec 23, 2010 5:50 PM in response to dksdapple

dksdapple wrote:
This was my first time posting and it said I posted in response to phillyfan. It should have been for Paulmanac-oops


That was obvious. The OP will see it regardless.

Your point #2 is what he was looking for. I never noticed it because it doesn't matter to me. I do recall updating some apps for 4.2.1 a day or so before the IOS was released. Two or three gave me problems until I updated the IOS.

Dec 23, 2010 9:47 PM in response to paulmanac

Depending on the app, it will either install and have issues or it will detect the older OS and notify you it cannot be installed.

What do you do in IT and how long have you been doing it? If you wait for an update where no issues are reported your iPad will always be at 3.2.2 and will never be updated. In fact it should be at 3.2.2.

Your statement about "a good admin" and auto updates is not necessarily true.

To be on the safe side it would be best to avoid all updates until the version that meets your criteria is issued. You will be stuck with the update badge, no workaround for this..

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Updating apps that require a newer version of IOS

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