Apps onto an old I Pad

J_B

I've been given an old I Pad Air running IOS 12.5.7

Whatever simple apps I try to load on it I just get 'need to upgrade IOS, which I can't do.

I've tried google and firefox (for example) but none will load.

Am I better binning it and getting a cheap Android (my preferred platform) tablet or is there another way?

Vitor

It's really only useful for browsing the web using Safari. Otherwise get a Lenovo Tab M10

400ixl

It OS is obsolete and no longer supported and not getting security updates for some time making it vulnerable to use even for browsing really.

You have been given a pup really.

DullGreyGuy

So its a first gen Air from 2013?

Many new apps will probably require OS15 or later which it doesn't support, obviously default apps like Safari, Mail, News etc are likely to still work fine. You'll find some old apps that will still work on 12 but those won't be from big tech firms like Google. 

It has its uses but at coming up on 12 years old its going to be for relatively basic tasks like browsing.

Glad

Agree with all of the above answers, but just wanted to add that I use a similar aged iPad as a kindle

J_B

Thanks all

I usually take my laptop wherever we go but just need something for a weekend away in a couple of months as I may need something more adaptable than my phone.

jshm2

Yeah you will need to jailbreak it with redsnow or phoenix to install the Cydia app. 

You will then be able to install apps without Apple restrictions. 

Undervalued

J_B said:

I've been given an old I Pad Air running IOS 12.5.7

Whatever simple apps I try to load on it I just get 'need to upgrade IOS, which I can't do.

I've tried google and firefox (for example) but none will load.

Am I better binning it and getting a cheap Android (my preferred platform) tablet or is there another way?

If you have access to a more up to date iPad (or iPhone) on the same Apple account, if you download the App you want onto the new device you will then (usually) be able to get access to an older version of the App (if there was one) for the old iPad. Once you have it installed on the old iPad you can remove the new version from the more up to date device if you wish.

I still use an even older iPad (stuck at iOS 10.xx) for certain things as it has an excellent screen and battery life.

I have older versions of both Google Chrome and Firefox running in iOS 10 by this route. Also things like the Canon camera App to interface with all but the very latest of their professional cameras.

I wouldn't use a device this old for banking etc and only have one, seldom used, email account set up on it for security reasons.

J_B

jshm2 said:

Yeah you will need to jailbreak it with redsnow or phoenix to install the Cydia app. 

You will then be able to install apps without Apple restrictions. 

I did this once on an I Phone 3gs that I had, but have been apple free since then.

Is there a specific online guide for this or is google my friend?

qsk

J_B said:

I've been given an old I Pad Air running IOS 12.5.7

Whatever simple apps I try to load on it I just get 'need to upgrade IOS, which I can't do.

I've tried google and firefox (for example) but none will load.

Am I better binning it and getting a cheap Android (my preferred platform) tablet or is there another way?

I have this. Only use Safari and YouTube. 

jshm2

J_B said:

jshm2 said:

Yeah you will need to jailbreak it with redsnow or phoenix to install the Cydia app. 

You will then be able to install apps without Apple restrictions. 

I did this once on an I Phone 3gs that I had, but have been apple free since then.

Is there a specific online guide for this or is google my friend?

It's not too difficult. Open safari, type in "Phoenix jailbreak" (don't want to enter website address as that is against forum rules) and install the app to jail break. 

Redsnow is a bit different as it requires use of another computer.