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32bit support for iPad 4 post iOS11

Hi all,


With Apple removing 32 bit support for iOS 11 I was curious as to what this means for older devices. I rang Apple a few days ago and found out there are two stores, one 32bit and one 64.


We have roughly 350 devices at the school I work at that are iPad 4s and want to know if the release of this update will mean the 32 bit store will cease to exist, meaning if we delete an app we wont be able to re download it?


Thanks,

Kane

iPad

Posted on Jun 22, 2017 5:57 PM

Reply
10 replies

Jun 22, 2017 8:01 PM in response to mclachlandev

iPad 4 cannot update to iOS 11 so the question is moot.

You should alway save a copy of your apps to your iTunes library not only because of 32/64 bit changes

but developers can pull their apps anytime from the App Store.

You should write to the apps developers about updating their apps to 64 bit if you want to use them on iOS 11.


iPad that can update to iOS 11 are

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    1st generation
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad
    5th generation
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2

Jun 22, 2017 8:23 PM in response to mclachlandev

From what I've read on Apple-centric websites, Apple is already removing older 32-bit apps. I would suggest, therefore, that you work with the assumption that they may become un-available for re-downloading. Make sure you keep copies of all apps in iTunes and/or other local storage.


I'm sure we'll know more as Fall release of iOS 11 approaches.

Jun 22, 2017 8:23 PM in response to Rysz

Hi Rysz,


Would you have any specific links at all? Everything I have found is more speculation than facts.


My boss is looking to update our bosses on whether we need to refresh our device fleet. This will be an expensive and time consuming job, one that would be better suited to proper planning. If indeed we will still be able to download these 32bit versions we can postpone the purchase for a few months at least and plan the task out better.


Thanks,
Kane

Jun 22, 2017 8:23 PM in response to ckuan

Hi Ckuan,


I think you misunderstood what I am asking. I am aware that they will not be able to update to iOS11, but my question is whether or not 32 bit applications will still be available for download on 32 bit devices post the release of iOS11.


I am aware developers can pull their apps, however this was more a broad question to better plan for a future upgrade.


Thanks,
Kane

Jun 22, 2017 8:35 PM in response to mclachlandev

If you are still using iOS 10.3.2, I think the 32 bit apps might still be available.

The point is once you have iOS 11 installed, you won't be able to use 32 bit apps.

The list I gave you can run both at the moment.

But as I am not Apple employee, I don't know until Apple make an announcement.

Apple is already cleaning up:

http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/06/21/apple-cleaning-hundreds-of-thousands-o f-titles-from-app-store-in-review-guidel…

Jun 22, 2017 10:46 PM in response to ckuan

Hi Ckuan,


Thanks for your reply.


We aren't looking to upgrade to iOS11 on these devices because they won't be able to.


The point we are trying to make and ask about is whether or not these 32 bit versions of the apps will still be available for download after iOS11 is released. It has nothing to do with iOS 11 itself, moreso whether or not Apple will no longer make these 32bit apps available for the older devices.

Thanks,
Kane

Jun 23, 2017 12:58 AM in response to mclachlandev

mclachlandev wrote:


We aren't looking to upgrade to iOS11 on these devices because they won't be able to.


That is correct.


The point we are trying to make and ask about is whether or not these 32 bit versions of the apps will still be available for download after iOS11 is released. It has nothing to do with iOS 11 itself, moreso whether or not Apple will no longer make these 32bit apps available for the older devices.

Again I'm not privy to Apple decision.


I suppose they (32 bit apps) will still be available, just that your updated iOS 11 devices will not be able to download/run them.

As there are many older devices (like my iPad 3 which is still useful) out there, there won't be newer (32 bit) apps created for them because Apple will only allow 64 bit apps submission.

We will know more later.

Jun 23, 2017 7:40 AM in response to mclachlandev

We don't know exact plans in terms of implementation details, but the fact that Apple will stop support, stop accepting, and stop showing 32-bit apps in App Store search results have been publicly announced. The information showing up on websites is from developers, so it might be in dips and drabs but it's more than just speculation.


I have not watched the publicly-available WWDC conference videos. There might have been a session dedicated to this transition.


Developers still have time to update their apps. If the apps provide income, they have an incentive to update them before Fall. The more contacts, inquiries and pressure they receive from their users, the more likely they are to update.


https://www.cultofmac.com/464817/apple-prepares-drop-support-32-bit-ios-apps/

https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/04/32-bit-apps-ios-11/

http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/06/21/apple-cleaning-hundreds-of-thousands-o f-titles-from-app-store-in-review-guidel…

Jun 23, 2017 10:19 AM in response to mclachlandev

For what it is worth... I have an iPhone 4 running 7.1.2. I'm still able to load 7.1.2 specific apps from the app store. If the current app doesn't support 7.1.2, there is a work around that I use. I download the app in iTunes on my mac. On my phone, the app now appears in purchases. When I go to download the app from purchases, I get a message asking me if I want to download an older version. I tap yes, and the older version is installed.


While I have no knowledge of what Apple may do, I'd find it very surprising if you could no long download 32 bit apps in older devices. Might be a hassle.


R

Jun 25, 2017 4:27 PM in response to rccharles

Hi R,

Thanks for your input.


I too have experienced that in the past. Guess I was just hoping there would be something more concrete. You would think that they would keep them available, however stranger things have happened.

I am looking for the article to post here, but I read online part of this transition period was to move resources from 32bit support over to other areas.

Thanks,

Kane

32bit support for iPad 4 post iOS11

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