AppleInsider Staff
In a change to its iOS App Store on Tuesday, Apple is now allowing users of older hardware to download and install the last compatible version of an app supported by their legacy firmware.
The new app accessibility, first spotted by a user on Reddit, allows owners of older Apple products like the iPhone 3GS or 3G to download a compatible version of an app if the most recent update does not support their device's firmware. Previously, Apple did not offer downloads for older app versions, meaning users of legacy iPhones could not install apps updated past the handset's last supported firmware, which in some cases is years old.
Under the new system, when a user attempts to install an app which no longer supports the legacy iOS running on their device, a pop-up will appear asking if they would like to download the last compatible version of the software instead. The feature extends the viable lifespan for aging iOS hardware that can't run the latest builds of Apple's mobile operating system.
With the next-generation iOS 7 slated to launch on Wednesday, developers are pushing to get their software up to date with Apple's latest mobile operating system. As software updates follow in lockstep with the latest generation of hardware advancements, it is inevitable that the newest app versions will have features incompatible with older devices.
Apple's iOS 7 will be available for download on Sept. 18, and will come be preloaded on future devices like the forthcoming iPhone 5s and 5c, both of which ship on Sept. 20.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
33 Comments
This is an awesome feature for people who still use a 3-4 year old iphone like my mom! Now she could install another app on her non-jailbroken 3G phone which still perfectly works and could easily last her another 2 years. Also I remember a few years back when iPad 2 came out apples website bid people to donate their iPad 1 for schools in underdeveloped countries. Now those kids can install other apps as well :) Kudos to apple for thinking about this and doing the right thing.
They really think of everything, don't they?
This is awesome! At work we just purchased 35 ipad 2's and I was concerned about future iOS updates on these devices. Now that doesn't seem to be a problem. And now my iPad 1 that I let my son use for school will also continue to be useful! Although, because apple has now done another pro-consumer thing the stock price will take a dive again. :S)
[quote name="bobdylan" url="/t/159568/apples-ios-app-store-now-offers-last-compatible-versions-of-apps-for-older-devices#post_2398605"]Also I remember a few years back when iPad 2 came out apples website bid people to donate their iPad 1 for schools in underdeveloped countries.[/quote] Those schools are now also flooded with the MS Surface.
Those schools are now also flooded with the MS Surface.
Getting used as a floor-tile doesn't count as being used as an educational tool.