How do I download older versions of apps?

Hi all,


I recently purchased a 2007 Mac Mini running OSX 10.7 Lion to use as a home server. I'd like to install Mac OS X Server onto it, except the App Store is not letting me download a previous version of Server that works. Let me explain: When I go into purchased and click on Mac OS Server, it gives me an error message saying "Server can’t be installed on “Mac Mini 2” because Mac OS X version 10.11.6 or later is required." Obviously, there were Mac OS X versions prior to the 10.11.6 release, and I need the one compatible with OS X 10.7. The App Store, however, is not letting me download a previous version. Is there a way that I can fix this?

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Feb 17, 2017 2:43 PM

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Posted on Nov 18, 2017 9:47 AM

I had this issue when I wanted Pages on my iPad 4...and it was too old to download iOS 11.0. Every time I tried to download Pages, I got a note that iOS 11.0 was required.


Thankfully, after hours of Google searches, I found this gem: https://www.howtogeek.com/263568/how-to-install-older-versions-of-ios-apps-on-an -old-iphone-or-ipad/


The bottom line: Download the software you need on another, newer device. Then try it on you older device...and the App store will prompt you to accept the latest, compatible version.


This saved me! Good luck.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 18, 2017 9:47 AM in response to dmwangt

I had this issue when I wanted Pages on my iPad 4...and it was too old to download iOS 11.0. Every time I tried to download Pages, I got a note that iOS 11.0 was required.


Thankfully, after hours of Google searches, I found this gem: https://www.howtogeek.com/263568/how-to-install-older-versions-of-ios-apps-on-an -old-iphone-or-ipad/


The bottom line: Download the software you need on another, newer device. Then try it on you older device...and the App store will prompt you to accept the latest, compatible version.


This saved me! Good luck.

Feb 17, 2017 6:48 PM in response to dmwangt

You need to call the Apple online store and ask if they have older versions of Server available for sale. If they are available, those folks will either sell you a disk or provide redemption codes to download over the internet.


ASC - Late 2012 Mac mini, macOS 10.12.3;  Watch, 38 mm silver AL, watchOS 3.1; iPad Air 2 & iPhone 7+, iOS 10.2.1; TV 4th Gen,  Airport Express

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How do I download older versions of apps?

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