For iOS 9.3.5, the official YouTube app is no longer supported and will often show an "Update Required" error or fail to load videos even if you manage to install it. Recommended Methods 1. App Store "Last Compatible Version" If you have previously downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID: Open the App Store and go to the Purchased tab. Search for YouTube and tap the Cloud icon.
A prompt will ask if you want to download the last compatible version. Tap Download. 2. Jailbreak and Version Spoof (Best for Functionality)
To bypass the "Update Required" error, you must modify the app's version string:
Jailbreak your device using tools like Phoenix for iOS 9.3.5. Install Filza File Manager from Cydia.
Navigate to: /var/containers/Bundle/Application/YouTube/YouTube.app/Info.plist.
Change CFBundleShortVersionString and CFBundleVersion to a newer version like 14.10 or 14.01.10. Save and restart the YouTube app. 3. Sideloading Legacy IPA Files youtube ipa file for ios 9.3.5
You can find archived versions of YouTube IPAs on sites like the Internet Archive.
How to Download the Youtube app on Older iPad (ios 9.3.5) (NO HACKING)
Running YouTube on devices stuck at iOS 9.3.5 (like the iPad 2, iPad mini 1, or iPhone 4S) is increasingly difficult as official support has moved to iOS 16 and later. However, you can still get a functional YouTube experience by using legacy IPA files, jailbreak tweaks, or native App Store workarounds. 1. Official App Store Method (No Jailbreak)
If your Apple ID has previously downloaded YouTube, you can download the "last compatible version" directly from Apple's servers. Step 1: Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device. Step 2: Go to the Purchased tab at the bottom. Step 3: Search for "YouTube" and tap the Cloud icon.
Step 4: A popup will appear asking if you want to "Download an older version of this app." Tap Download. For iOS 9
Note: If you never "purchased" it, log into your Apple ID on a newer device, download YouTube there first, then return to your legacy device. 2. Fixing the "Update Required" Error (Jailbreak Required)
Even if you install the last compatible version (v13.42.6), Google may block it with an "Update Required" message. You can bypass this by spoofing the version number.
1. Use the web version (Safari)
Open youtube.com in Safari. It's slow, but functional for basic viewing. You can create a home screen shortcut.
2. TubeFixer (third-party sideloading) A modified version of the last YouTube IPA, patched to bypass the API checks. You'll need:
Search for "YouTube 14.02.5 TubeFixer IPA" — community patches exist, but stability is poor. Sideloading basics (high level)
3. ProTube legacy (if you bought it) A third-party YouTube client that worked on iOS 9. It broke years ago.
4. Upgrade your device or use a different service Invidio.us (a YouTube mirror) works through Safari on iOS 9 for some users.
An IPA file (iOS App Store Package) is the archive file that contains an iOS app. Think of it as the equivalent of a .exe file on Windows or a .dmg on macOS. Every app you’ve ever downloaded from the App Store is, at its core, an IPA.
When you download an app via the App Store, Apple delivers the correct IPA version for your specific iOS version. However, since the App Store no longer supports iOS 9.3.5 for new downloads (it only offers the "last compatible version" for previously purchased apps), users have turned to manually finding and sideloading historical IPA files.
An IPA file (iOS App Store Package) is essentially an application file for iOS. Think of it like an .exe file on Windows or an .apk file on Android. While the App Store handles the installation automatically, an IPA file allows you to manually install an app onto your device.