Yes, for specific tasks:
No, for:
Use this list to keep your vintage Apple device productive for years to come. The era of iOS 9 might be over, but the hardware refuses to die. Enjoy the nostalgia.
Have an app that works on iOS 9.3.5 that isn't listed here? The community would love to know. Check the "Last Compatible Version" database online or share your finds in legacy forums.
Would you like a downloadable spreadsheet of confirmed working apps with version numbers, or instructions on how to archive your own last-compatible versions before they disappear?
Finding apps for iOS 9.3.5 can be tricky because most modern apps now require at least iOS 13 or 14. However, you can still find functional software for older hardware like the iPad Mini (1st Gen) or iPhone 4s by using the "Last Compatible Version" feature in the App Store. 📱 Popular Apps Still Working (Old Versions)
While the latest versions won't run, you can often download older, stable versions of these essentials: Streaming & Media:
VLC for Mobile: Highly recommended for local video playback and various file formats. ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list
Spotify: Older versions can still be installed if you have previously "purchased" or downloaded the app on your Apple ID.
YouTube: The app often requires a workaround or "purchased" history; otherwise, viewing through the Safari or Puffin Browser is a common alternative. Social & Communication:
Telegram: Known to remain usable, though it may experience lag on older hardware.
Messenger Lite: Sometimes more stable than the standard Facebook app on older OS versions. Productivity & Tools:
Polaris Office: Good for viewing and basic editing of documents.
Google Chrome: You can often download the last supported version for basic web browsing.
Puffin Web Browser: Often cited as being faster than Safari on legacy devices. 🛠️ How to Download Compatible Apps Yes, for specific tasks:
If you see an error saying "This app requires iOS [X]," try this method:
Use your Purchase History: Go to the App Store > Purchased tab.
Look for the Cloud Icon: Tap the download icon next to an app you've owned before.
Confirm Legacy Download: A pop-up will ask if you want to download the "last compatible version" for your device. Tap Download. 🚫 Non-Compatible Apps
Some modern apps have server-side requirements that prevent old versions from working even if you manage to install them:
Netflix: Generally requires newer iOS versions for the app to function; using a browser is the recommended alternative for iOS 9.3.5. Roblox: Explicitly requires iOS 13 or higher.
Modern Banking Apps: Most financial institutions block older versions for security reasons. No, for:
Users with legacy iOS 9.3.5 devices can still install compatible versions of apps like Netflix, YouTube, VLC, and Microsoft Office by leveraging the "Purchased" section in the App Store to download older versions. To bypass "Requires iOS 10.0 or later" restrictions, apps must be downloaded on a newer device first, allowing the older device to install the last compatible version from the cloud. For a complete, community-maintained list of apps still functional on iOS 9.3.5, visit Reddit.
iOS 9.3.5 is now considered an obsolete operating system, primarily running on older hardware like the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. iPad mini 1 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
. While most modern apps require iOS 13 or later, you can still use many popular services by downloading "last compatible versions" through your App Store purchase history. Core Compatible Apps List
The following apps have been confirmed to work on iOS 9.3.5, though they may require the "purchased" workaround to install older versions.
This is where iOS 9.3.5 shines. Many 32-bit classics that died on modern iOS live here.
Real talk: Most social media apps are dead on iOS 9. However, a few holdouts exist.