Is flash available for iPad?

Am almost wishing I'd bought a droid;so much of what I want to do uses flash. It's frustrating to go to a site and not be able to communicate because the site uses Adobe flash! short sighted on Apple's part. I'm ready to ditch the iPad and buy a droid tablet!

iPad 2, iOS 5

Posted on Jan 20, 2012 7:46 PM

Reply
3 replies

Jan 20, 2012 7:48 PM in response to SOAZ

No Flash for iPads, iPhones, or iPods


Here's why there's is no Flash available for iDevices or other mobile devices. Adobe was unable to provide a product that was suitable to the needs of battery powered mobile devices used for Internet browsing. Existing Flash technology used too much memory, ate battery life, and was buggy. Simply put Flash did not work well on mobile devices.


Apple's Steve Jobs led the escape from Flash dependency when Apple introduced the iPhone, and later introduced the iPad. There was a hue and cry over the omission. Time proved Jobs was right on target.


So this is why there is no Flash for your iPhone or iPad or iPod nor for most SmartPhones. Flash has been abandoned by many sites in favor of supported technologies such as HTML5 or by providing their own custom app.


Here is Steve Jobs official comment on his momentous decision to omit Flash from iDevices: Steve Jobs on Flash.


Here is Adobe's later announcement to cease development of Flash for mobile devices: Adobe on Mobile Flash.


Now, you are not necessarily out on a limb. There are some apps that can display some Flash, but don't count on there ability to display anything using Flash.


Apps that can display some Flash from the Web:


  • Puffin
  • SkyFire
  • Photon Flash
  • Browse2Go
  • iSwifter


Also, note that many sites that use Flash provide their own app for accessing their material. So check with your favorite sites and find out if "there's an app for that."

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.

Is flash available for iPad?

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