Ios 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List [verified] đź‘‘ đź”–
iOS 9.3.5 is an older operating system, and most modern apps now require at least iOS 13 or 14. However, you can still use a variety of apps by downloading their "last compatible version."
Below is a list of apps known to work on iOS 9.3.5 as of April 2026, categorized by their utility. Productivity & Utilities : While Safari is often outdated, third-party browsers like iCab Mobile Puffin Browser still offer functional web browsing on older devices. Office & Notes Polaris Office Tayasui Sketches
are compatible, providing document viewing and drawing capabilities. Calculators & Tools Basic Calculator+ Elegantune Chromatic Tuner Pro are useful additions for standard tasks. File Management remains a reliable option for syncing files across devices. Entertainment & Media Video Streaming : You can download compatible versions of Amazon Prime Video . While the
app may require a workaround, it is often accessible via a web browser. Amazon Music
still function if you have previously "purchased" them on your Apple ID. Media Players
is highly recommended for watching downloaded videos locally. Communication & Social
is known to be very usable, though it may occasionally lag. Apple's built-in also remains fully functional. Social Media : Older versions of may still work if previously installed. Video Calls
reportedly still allows downloads of compatible versions for iOS 9.3.5.
Living with Legacy: The Best Apps for iOS 9.3.5 If you are holding an iPad Mini (1st Gen), an iPad 2, or an iPhone 4s, you are likely locked at iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 for cellular models). While Apple has long since moved on, these devices remain surprisingly capable for basic tasks if you know which apps still "talk" to the older software. The "Last Compatible Version" Trick
Before diving into the list, remember that the standard App Store might tell you an app is incompatible. To get around this, you must have previously "purchased" or downloaded the app on a newer device using the same Apple ID. Once it's in your history: Open the App Store on your iOS 9 device. Go to the Purchased tab. Find the app and tap the Cloud icon.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to "Download the last compatible version." Tap Download. Essential Apps for iOS 9.3.5 1. Media & Entertainment
VLC for Mobile: A powerhouse for offline media. It plays almost any file format you throw at it, making old iPads great dedicated movie players.
YouTube: While the official app can be finicky on iOS 9, it often still works via the "Last Compatible Version" method. If it fails, the Safari browser remains a reliable way to watch videos.
Netflix: You can typically download an older version if you have it in your purchase history, though performance may be sluggish. 2. Browsing & Communication
Telegram: Surprisingly, Telegram remains one of the most functional messaging apps on older firmware, though you may experience occasional lag.
Puffin Web Browser: Often faster than Safari on legacy hardware because it uses cloud rendering to process heavy web pages. ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list
Google Chrome: Older versions are still available through the purchase history method, providing a familiar interface for sync. 3. Productivity & Creativity
Procreate: Version 3.1.4 is the final compatible release for iOS 9.3.5. It’s an excellent way to turn an old iPad into a digital sketchbook.
Polaris Office: A solid choice for viewing and basic editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Apple iWork Suite (Pages, Numbers, Keynote): Older versions of Apple’s native productivity apps usually work well via the "Purchased" tab. What Doesn't Work?
Many modern "heavy" apps and games have moved their minimum requirements far beyond iOS 9: Roblox : Now requires at least iOS 13.
Discord: Recent updates have completely broken compatibility with older versions.
Banking Apps: Most financial institutions require iOS 15+ for security reasons. Pro Tip: Use the Web
When an app fails, try the Safari or Puffin browser. Many services (like Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube) have "Lite" or mobile web versions that function reasonably well without needing a dedicated app.
Still Useful: The Ultimate iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List (2026 Edition)
Don't retire that iPad 2 or original Mini just yet. While iOS 9.3.5 is officially "obsolete," several essential apps still function perfectly through "last compatible version" downloads. Whether you're using it as a dedicated kitchen tablet, an e-reader, or a child's first gaming device, here is what still works in 2026. Essential Productivity & Utilities
How to download apps for older iPhones and iPads - T&E Repair
Here’s a solid, curated review of the iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps list — what you can realistically expect, which apps still work, and what’s broken.
Part 3: Reading & News (The ultimate Kindle)
Utilities & Offline Tools
- Calculator, Notes, Reminders, Calendar – Fine.
- Google Maps – Last version works but no live traffic or transit updates.
- Maps (Apple) – Works but map data is years old.
- Dropbox – Old version works for downloading files, uploads often fail.
- iBooks / Kindle – Both work for reading already downloaded books.
Final Verdict: Is iOS 9.3.5 still worth it in 2025?
Yes, for specific uses:
- A dedicated MP3 player (iPhone 4s + VLC + Music app)
- A kid's gaming device (iPad 2 + Minecraft + Angry Birds)
- A digital photo frame (iPod Touch + Google Drive sync)
- A security camera (Alfred app)
No, for daily driving: You cannot use modern banking, ride-sharing, food delivery, or social media apps. Web browsing is slow, and certificates are expiring.
To build your own list, always start with the Purchased tab. If the app isn't there, search the developer's name directly; sometimes their older apps (like "Calculator Pro" or "PDF Reader") are still listed as separate legacy products. Part 3: Reading & News (The ultimate Kindle)
Call to Action: What is your favorite app that still works on iOS 9.3.5? Let us know in the comments below. Dust off that old iDevice—it still has life left.
Many popular applications still offer older versions that run on iOS 9.3.5, allowing aging devices like the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , iPad mini 1 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , and Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
to remain functional in 2026. While you often cannot download the latest version directly from the App Store, a simple "Purchased" tab workaround typically lets you access the last compatible release. Top iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps by Category
The following apps have been confirmed by users to work through "last compatible version" downloads or directly on iOS 9. Entertainment & Media Netflix: Still available for iOS 9 and ; verified working as recently as 2026.
YouTube: You can download a compatible version from your "Purchased" tab or access the site through a third-party browser.
Spotify: Users report being able to download a "compatible version" from their purchase history.
VLC Media Player: Known for its broad compatibility, this is a top choice for watching downloaded videos offline on older iPads. Crunchyroll: Offers a legacy version for anime streaming. Productivity & Utilities
Microsoft Office Suite: Older versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can be downloaded if they are already in your account history.
Apple iWork: Legacy versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are compatible.
Dropbox: Essential for file syncing, though it lacks some modern multitasking features on older hardware.
Telegram: While it may lag slightly, it continues to receive usable updates for older iOS versions.
Zoom: Users have found that a working version can still be retrieved. Creativity & Learning
Procreate: The version compatible with the first-generation iPad mini (iOS 9.3.5) remains a powerful tool for digital artists.
GarageBand: You can install the last compatible version (version 2.3.8) on freshly wiped legacy devices.
Duolingo: The language-learning app still offers a functional version for older operating systems. Calculator, Notes, Reminders, Calendar – Fine
forScore: This popular sheet music reader has legacy versions that run on older iPads. How to Install Unsupported Apps on iOS 9.3.5
If you try to download an app and see a "not compatible" error, use these verified methods to find a working version:
Finding Your iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List The definitive way to find a complete iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps list is to check your own App Store "Purchased" tab or use a newer iOS device to claim apps first.
Because iOS 9.3.5 was released years ago, developers have largely abandoned it, and the App Store no longer features a dedicated section for legacy apps. However, you can still turn devices like the iPad 2, iPad 3, and the original iPad Mini into highly functional machines for reading, light browsing, or media consumption with the right workarounds. 🛠️ How to Download Apps on iOS 9.3.5
The secret to downloading apps on an older iOS device lies in Apple's "Last Compatible Version" feature. If you try to download a modern app like YouTube directly from the App Store on an iOS 9.3.5 device, it will likely give you an error saying it requires a newer iOS. Follow these steps to bypass that barrier: Method 1: The "Purchased" Tab Trick (No Computer Needed)
Amazon Kindle
- Status: Excellent.
- What you get: This is arguably the best reason to keep an iOS 9 device. The old Kindle app has no lag, a great sepia mode, and supports Whispersync. You can buy books on your phone and they appear here instantly.
🎵 Music & Streaming (Offline is King)
Since streaming apps require modern DRM, your best bet is music you own. However, there are workarounds.
- Spotify: This is a 50/50 gamble. If you had Spotify installed previously, the last compatible version (8.4.4) works only for Spotify Connect. You cannot browse or search on the device, but you can control playback on a modern speaker or PC.
- Apple Music: Requires iOS 10+. But, the default Music app works perfectly if you sync MP3s via iTunes on a PC.
- VLC for Mobile: Arguably the most important app on this list. VLC 2.8.8 plays any video file (MKV, AVI, MP4) via Wi-Fi transfer or the "Files" app alternative (VLC Web Upload).
- Audible: Version 3.2.1 works for listening to audiobooks downloaded via Wi-Fi. Syncing is slow, but it works.
- Pandora: The legacy app still streams radio stations. You cannot like/dislike songs, but the music plays.
Do not bother with: YouTube (website only, app is dead), Netflix (requires iOS 14+), Amazon Music, Tidal.
The Definitive iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List: Breathing New Life into Your iPhone 4s, iPad 2, and iPod Touch (5th Gen)
If you are reading this, you likely own a device stuck on iOS 9.3.5. This includes beloved classics like the iPhone 4s, the iPad 2, the iPad 3rd generation, the iPad mini (1st gen) , and the iPod touch (5th generation) . Released in 2016, iOS 9.3.5 was the final security update for these devices.
Officially, these gadgets are considered "obsolete." But practically, they are far from dead. With the right set of apps, your legacy iDevice can still function as a music player, an e-reader, a podcast hub, a security monitor, or even a productivity tool.
The biggest challenge? The App Store’s "Requires iOS 10/11/12/13" error message. However, Apple allows users to download the "last compatible version" of an app. This means if you previously downloaded an app, or if a developer left an old binary online, you can still get it.
Below is the most extensive, updated list of apps that still work on iOS 9.3.5 as of 2025.
The Ultimate Guide to iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps: Keeping Your Legacy Device Useful in 2024
If you are holding onto an iPad 2, iPad 3, original iPad mini, or a 4th-generation iPod Touch, you are likely well acquainted with iOS 9.3.5. This was the final software update for these devices, representing the end of the line for Apple’s support.
In the modern tech era, using a device stuck on a 2016 operating system can feel limiting. Many popular apps (like YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram) have dropped support for iOS 9, leaving users with a "skeletal" device.
However, your legacy device is far from useless. With the right apps and a few specific tricks, you can breathe new life into your older hardware. Here is your ultimate list of iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps and how to get them.