Can I upgrade my new (to me) iPod 4th gen to iOS 8?

An iPod Touch 4 maxes out at iOS 6.1.6.

So, if your iPod Touch 4 is already running iOS 6.1.6, it’s up to date.

Do you own a computer that runs iTunes on it?

If you need apps for that iPod, if you have a computer with an older version of iTunes (version 12.6.3 or earlier ), you can try downloading the recent app/s, by accessing the iOS App Store, through iTunes, and then, download the recent version of the app/s you like to use on your iPad 1, to iTunes on your computer first.

IF you own a computer with an older version of iTunes already on it, try using that version as an old iPod Touch 4th gen does not need the latest iTunes version.

If you have a computer, but NO iTunes on it, here is a link to the older 12.6.3 version for download found in this Apple weblink.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208079

DO NOT download the latest version of iTunes (version 12.7.x) as there is no more support for saving apps in iTunes under the most recent versions.

Then, back on your iPod Touch 4, you can try to download the latest app from the iOS App Store and if the developer/s has/have left an older, compatible version of their app/s on Apple's app servers, then you will receive a small window pop-up prompt that states that there is an older version of the app that is compatible with your device.. Would you like to download this version now.

Tap the OK button just below the prompt.

FYI,

Not every app you attempt to download will have an iOS 6.1.6 compatible version. For older apps that may still have an older iOS version available, the lowest compatible iOS version of an app is iOS 4.2.1.

The search for iOS 6.1.6 compatible apps will be trial and error, but they are out there.

This website may help you locate the apps you can use with your iPod Touch 4th gen.

http://findoldapps.com/us/any_category/6.1.6/ipod/updated_date/desc/30/1

Good Luck!

Melmely wrote:

... is the device unusable before I even start?

No. You can still use the iPod for music and (if you can find them) apps compatible with iOS 6.1.6

All, the music features (including Podcasts) should still be fully working and your iPod can still synchronise with your iTunes library.

No, you can't.

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