If I cannot upgrade it I will be very unhappy with Apple.
iPod touch (2nd generation), iOS 4.2
Thanks for your helpful comments, Allan. You must be so pleased with yourself and your modern toys.
Some real advice for the folks posting here would be to do as I've just done, or something similar, which is...
There are LOADS of kids games that still work. Many aren't great and I can't tell you what's available in other categories but I imagine there's still plenty out there that will meet what you are looking for. I found a YouTube manager that works when I looked for that. I've already downloaded 20 or so decent little games for her to play just from looking through 3 pages of the 77.
Just to make it clear though, I too am sick of Apple's constant pressure to upgrade. I've been a Mac user since OS9 days and have never seen it reach the point it has now. They even now officially state (a recent development) that they do not support devices that are more than 5 years old as they consider them obsolete - their own words on this very site. Really???? I have no plans to upgrade my current Mac or iPods again.
Happy hunting for those apps.
It is completely normal.
ALL software driven devices/computers/tvs/dvd players/etc become unable to run the latest software at some point.
As the second gen ipod is three generations old, it is not unusual at all that it would no longer be able to handle the latest software.
The idea that Apple made a corporate decision to simply eliminate all older iTouch devices from existence baffles me.
Why would I want to invest in any apple product knowing full well that in a few years I will simply have to throw it away. I don't have a lot of money to invest in things like this. Do you? There is no reason I shouldn't expect to be able to acquire older versions of apps for my older iTouch (read 3G IOS 4.2.1.)
I cannot get ANY ibook reader, no VNC. no mapping software. very few games (not that I care much about games.)
There must be millions of the older iTouch devices out there that are good for nothing but a landfill somewhere.
Someone said all older computing equipment eventually goes away. Not so. I have some older computers that can still run WIN98, (even WIN3.11 if I want.) I can still download old applications for those old OS's. There is no NEED to throw them away. I may WANT to, but I am not FORCED to.
While I am sure the older Android and WIN devices will eventually become less popular, they will ALWAYS be useful. I will always be able to get old apps for them. I can still get old apps for win3.11.
The older Apple device are now actually useless. That is the diffference, and it is a big one. Apple is FORCING us to upgrade. As someone pointed out, it's corporate greed.
So, yes, this and all other posts on this subject should be turned into an Apple bashing, Android vs IOS debate until we eventually get Apples attention.
Really, the only way to get Apples attention on this matter is to switch away from them and hit them in thier greed (which is exactly what I am going to do.)
They came out with the first GUI years ago and made the corporate decision to not keep in touch with thier customers. Now look at them. 98% of all desktops and laptops are running competitors OS's.
The same thing is going to happen with the IOS, but much faster this time. It won't take long for people to figure out they simply have to replace there perfectly good hardware because Apple got greedy.
But, alas, It seems Apple is happy with 2% of the marketplace. Too bad. They made a good product. I guess I MUST put mine in the can under my sink.
Mark.
You've made very valid points. I for one will not replace either the iPod Touch that is now virtually useless nor the iPhone 4 that will no doubt be heading down the same path to iOS obsolescence... with any APPLE product.
Planned obsolescence is purely about corporate greed. I choose to stop feeding the gluttonous monster.
I personally find it rather anoying that apple has taken away my ability to use their product so that i'm "forced" to toss it to upgrade/buy a newer model, which will, in time (likely short time) become obsolete just the same as this did...apple should truly be ashamed of themselves...and from reading the aformentioned posts i see that i'm not the only customer that they will be losing...Android, here i come😁
Oh yes, your iPod Touch is clearly useless. It only browses the internet, plays music and videos, still can use thousands upon thousands of apps that support iOS 4.2.1... Complete and utter trash now. Good for only a paper weight, huh?
Just because the apps you WANT no longer support it, who should you be mad at? The developers of those apps are the ones who are dropping the support for the older devices, not Apple.
And as far as Apple being jerks for not supporting the old devices with new software? The mobile phone/tablet market is the most technologically competitive market. Less and less people are buying laptops and computers, but are opting to go with tablets instead, or even just a smart phone. Apple has to keep up with the competition by developing new hardware and making the new devices better and better to stay in the loop. The drawback is that with the new hardware, they need to develop software that takes advantage of that hardware to its full extent. It's not that Apple is choosing to alienate the owners of older devices, it's just that those devices aren't capable of handling the new software. All the new features that are released require more resources such as processing power and memory, in addition to completely new hardware. They've already dropped features for certain iOS versions (for example, iOS 4 on iPod Touch 2nd Gen. doesn't have multi-tasking) so that they can continue to provide the maximum amount of updates. Sure, they could continue to do this, but the iOS itself is becoming too much for that wee little iPod Touch to handle, and then you'd be mad because the new update made your iPod run slow.
Your iPod does EVERYTHING that was advertised to do when you bought it. It's not useless. Stop whining, and stop blaming the wrong group.
Before you go calling me an "Apple Fanboy," know that I'm posting this because I am a software developer and know what has to be done sometimes. I'm not defending Apple for the sake of it, I just don't think it's fair that so many people are blaming them for this issue when it's clearly not their fault.
Phenomenal response, Matt. As a consumer who just purchased a 2nd gen iPod Touch (more for novelty than anything else, and it was super cheap), I found myself initially getting discouraged because there were no apps in the App Store for it. At one point I thought, "Well, this thing is pretty much a paperweight." Then I laughed at myself.
I was browsing the Internet, listening to music, and reading books on a crisp, bright touchscreen! Why was I complaining?
I can understand being upset about being forced to buy new hardware, but think about what you're getting if you do. Most newer apps (that don't support iOS 4.2.1) utilize retina displays, cameras, accelerometers and other hardware features that don't even exist in the iPod 2nd gen (or iPhone 3GS for that matter). If you want those apps and those features, you'd have to upgrade your hardware regardless of whether your device is Apple, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, or whatever.
Either upgrade and enjoy, or be happy with what you've got.
I guess I don't get it because I also have an ipod 4.2.1 but it was completely reset. I can not seem to get any apps to install on it.
Where do I find apps that will run on this Ipod?
I see postings about reading books on it, but I can't seem to be able to find a way to even do that because it keeps saying that my OS isn't supporting the ereader... So far, I've only been able to put music on it, and some photos from iphoto.. other then that, how are you guys reading books on this and where are the thousands of apps it will still run? I'm thinking there is maybe an old app section somewhere I can download these?
I can't even look at facebook for some reason.
I think the problem is, you can all sit around and say "upgrade! get with the times lady..." but there are many people like me, who simple do not have the funds.
I was delighted to be given an older ipod touch, something I could never buy myself, but now I'm listening to only music on it, just like the old ipod shuffle I had.
Not everyone can afford these types of things and even if I could get a new ipod, I could not just turn around and get one in the next 3 years after that.. and who knows how fast the next one will be out of date... the life span should last more for the original cost.
If this were a game console, I'd be very upset. We've had our XboX for a few years now.. Heck, I still play my old Game cube and can still get used games for it.... it's just sad I guess.
I guess I'm missing something.
Good news, 'if' you have backed up your computer using time machine.
There is a short you tube video which show how to go into time machine which shows how to go into time
machine to recover versions of the apps which worked prior to being upgraded to versions which are
imcompatible with IOS 4.2.1. I have successfully recovered iBooks as well as a few others.
How to recover an old version of an app
Is this getting into a discussion? 2nd Gen can only go to 4.2.1. If you want a newer version for all the apps and stuff, get a new (or better) one. Simple as that. I understand that you're upset, but the 2nd gen is a old product introduced in September of 2008.
I know this is an old post but I can't help myself 🙂
I can't agree with your statement "your ipod does everything it was advertised to do".
The thing is, I have a second gen ipod, and I want to run an app on it (in this case amplitude) and I know that there is a version of that software that will run on it, but there is no way for me to get hold of it.
This is not entirely the developer's fault. They obviously will want to update their app to use the new capabilities of the newer platforms (ios 5 etc), but they can't offer the old version through the apple store.
I know of no other platform than ipod/ipad/iphone that works like this.
My ipod 2 gen literally has less capability now than it did two years ago, because apps that worked on it then are now unavailable.
If it was a PC or Mac or andriod, chances are older versions of software would still be available.
I can't help myself either. Let me tell you my story and see how you can defend. The chase app. One day it was working, the next day it said. "Chase app requires firmware 4.3 to work. You must update. it ouch 1,2gen and iPhone 3G and below are SOL, sorry. So how do the iPod "specs" effect this decision. Chase app worked one day, didn't the next. That is BS, ok fine no biggy. I still have an itouch 4 so I didn't really bother me. But what about the ppl who don't have one. Why should they be denied. Another scenario, I gave my itouch 2g to my brother after I got my 4. I had a lot of apps on it that worked, even Netflix. But since I have an itouch 4, I have been updating my apps. Well when I tried to sync the old iPod, Netflix no longer would copy. Saying the firmware is out of date. So now the itouch that once supported Netflix no longer has the specs to so so? BS. We can all see what is going on here. Force able upgrade. U don't see how itouch 2g can't handle 4.3.3 so it can be more useful. It is still in the same 4.0 family. I'm sure it can handle it. I mean it could handle the jump from 3.0 to 4.0. I was lucky enough to have my work computer with my account. I really didn't transfer purchases to that computer, so some of the updates did not take effect and was able to get some apps, and they work. For god sakes, apple was trying to deny me temple run. Temple freaking run. The version at home was to updates for the iPod 2g, but the one at work was able to sync and it worked!!. Defend and explain that. Apple, you are truly monsters, but you make a fine MP3 player. My point is you shouldn't have to be "lucky" to use your device at its full potential. Like the ppl above said, computers don't operate that way. At the very least your device should be stuck in a time correct, where it is stuck in time working the way it did when it was supported. Granted I do understand why 2g doesn't get ISO 5 or newer apps because it is too out dated to run it properly. I do get that. My itouch 4 is succumbing to that fate. Newer apps games are sluggish or unplayable.
Again: Chase and Netflix are responsible for the firmware requirements, not Apple. It's not a question of "it worked one day and not the next." The reason is that those companies decided they wanted their apps to be updated. Why, you ask? So that they will run better on newer devices. And while that may seem unfair, look at it from a business standpoint. Most people upgrade their hardware whenever possible. It's safe to assume that most iPod Touch users today are using at least a 4th gen. These companies want to obtain the largest population possible, and the best way to do so is to appeal to the newer devices.
And no offense, but I literally laughed out loud when I read your statement about Apple denying you Temple Run. That app is not an Apple product. The company that develops are the ones "denying" it to you, to put it in your own words.
And yes, computers do operate the exact same way, although I'll give you, it's less noticeable. For example, some programs for Windows may be developed using the .NET Framework version 4.0. Guess what? That version of .NET is not supported on Windows XP or lower. Similar situations arise with most video games for Windows. They will require a certain version of Direct X to run, and if you don't have an up-to-date OS, you can't play said games. And do you think a Dell computer purchased in the early 2000's can run even Windows Vista? Don't be silly, that's not gonna happen. You can probably make it happen, but you will regret it.
Again, I'm not trying to defend Apple for the sake of it, I'm merely trying to clear up some of the misconceptions regarding iOS requirements. And while it is reasonable for you to jump to blaming Apple immediately, you should consider what is actually going on, and why things are the way they are.
My statements were of course outlandish on purpose. I mean I know apple isn't denying me temple one. The point I am trying to make and you failed to see is that you should be able to get old versions if apps that work with the device. Sure I can't use chase app to its fullest on an iPod 2g, but I was able to. And what of the ppl with iPhone 3G that do have cameras and could no longer use chase app because they are not on 4.3. I'm just saying, don't cripple the device
I am in complete agreement but even though you are whistling a lovely tune, I am afraid you are whistling in the wind.
These "Product Cycle" techniques are a part of Apple's Business Plan.
The "rules" governing the app store have no loopholes.
I would like to use the apps which were working for me before, but essentially my device has bern killed remotely.
You can't "go back to happier times" with v. 1.3 now that v. 2.1 is the ONLY available version in the ONLY available (official) source for apps.
Developers are not permitted to offer previous versions.
Apple's Business Plan is complex.
You have found one tip of one iceberg.
Turning back your clock with Apple's Time Machine backup might take you to happier times... IF you bought into that ecosystem.
A lot of people are resenting getting burned, but a lot more people just keep buying the "new" stuff.
So I have a 2nd gen. Ipod touch. No apps work at all because I need IOS 4.3 I guess. I click on an app and it doesn't even try to open. And if I delete it and try to re-download it, it says I need to upgrade. Is there anyway to upgrade my old Ipod?
