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Why doesn't iPad allow adobe flash player?

Why does Mac support Adobe Flash Player, but iPad doesn't? And are they working on compatibility?

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ), iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Feb 15, 2013 7:27 PM

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4 replies

Feb 15, 2013 7:30 PM in response to Ernestotle

iPads and Mac computers are different hardware and software platforms.


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. Adobe is not providing Flash for Apple iOS devices, and they no longer provide Flash for any other cellular phones. Flash is officially gone.


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.


A sample of Apps that can display some Flash content:


1. Puffin

2. SkyFire

3. Photon Flash

4. Browse2Go

5. Swifter


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."

Feb 15, 2013 7:33 PM in response to Ernestotle

This has been discussed exhaustively in the forums since the first iPad came out. Please search the forum to find your answer versus having one more thread going about this. Quick answer: it does not support Flash, it will not, no one is working on it, no one will ever be working on it other than some third-party support.

Why doesn't iPad allow adobe flash player?

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