Real talk: Most social media apps are dead on iOS 9. However, a few holdouts exist.
The default Safari browser on iOS 9.3.5 is severely outdated. Many modern websites use security protocols (like TLS 1.3) that old Safari cannot handle. Third-party browsers are the fix.
The app ecosystem for iOS 9.3.5 is shrinking, but it is not dead. By moving away from the "App Store of the Week" mentality and focusing on core utilities, your device can still serve a purpose.
The best uses for an iOS 9.3.5 device today are:
With the right apps, that old iPad or iPod Touch can still be a productive part of your tech lineup. Happy downloading
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. ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list
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. Real talk: Most social media apps are dead on iOS 9
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:
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.
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?
While many modern apps require newer operating systems, several essential applications still support iOS 9.3.5 through "last compatible version" downloads . Notable compatible apps include iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps (2026 Status)
These apps are confirmed to work, though they may require you to download them from your "Purchased" history if they have been previously owned on your Apple ID.
While iOS 9.3.5 is considered a legacy operating system, many essential apps can still be installed by downloading "last compatible versions" through your App Store purchase history With the right apps, that old iPad or
. This allows older devices like the iPad 2, iPad 3, and original iPad Mini to remain functional for media consumption, note-taking, and basic productivity. Essential Productivity & Utilities
These apps often require you to have previously "purchased" them on your Apple ID using a newer device before they appear as downloadable legacy versions on your older hardware.
iOS 9.3.5 is the final officially released version of iOS for several iconic 32-bit devices, including the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad mini (1st gen), and iPod touch 5th gen. While Apple stopped signing this version years ago, many users keep these devices for legacy gaming, music playback, or basic communication.
However, the App Store on iOS 9.3.5 no longer offers the latest app versions. Instead, it provides the “last compatible version” when you try to download an app. Below is a practical list of apps that still work well on this OS.
Here is a curated list of apps that still work, or have legacy versions that function, on iOS 9.3.5.
Before we list the apps, it is crucial to understand a major hurdle. Apple has removed many 32-bit apps from the App Store. When you search for apps now, you are generally shown the most recent versions, which require iOS 12, 14, or higher.
The Solution: "Purchase" History. If you previously downloaded an app when your device was newer, you can often redownload the last compatible version. Even if the app is free, "purchasing" it on a modern device links it to your account. You can then go to your old device’s App Store > Updates > Purchased section to download the "Legacy Version."
Note: This trick is becoming less reliable as developers pull legacy versions entirely, but it is still the best way to get apps like YouTube or Facebook.
Don't throw that iPhone away; use it as a desk clock, word processor, or security monitor.