How to get older apps for iPhone that can't run iOS 16

If you have an older iPhone that still runs like a champ, but can't run iOS 16, all is not lost. Here's how to get an older version of the app you want, that will still work on your iPhone.

If your iPhone can't run iOS 16, you can still download older versions of the app. These instructions work with some variance depending on operating system on devices older than the iPhone 8, and the original iPhone SE.

Here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to do it.

How to get older apps, on an iPhone that can't run iOS 16

1. Turn on your old device and open up the App Store.
2. Click on the profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. It should have your profile picture or your initials on a gray background.
3. Tap on the Purchased button.
4. Tap on My Purchases. You'll see a list of all the apps that you've previously downloaded and installed using your Apple ID. Note: Older iPhones may take some time to load the full list of your apps, so be patient.
5. Scroll or search for the app in question. Note: You won't be able to find apps that have been discontinued from the app store, either by the developer or by Apple's purge of outdated apps.
6. Every app that was previously downloaded but isn't on this device will have an iCloud icon by it. Tap on this iCloud icon to install the app on your device.
7. If the latest version of the app isn't compatible with your old iPhone, you'll see this message: "Download an older version of this app?" Tap "Download".

Although it's hidden, Apple does let you download old app versions.

Be aware that it will be an outdated version of the app, so functions may be limited, but at least you'll be able to run it on your older iPhone. Also, you won't be able to choose which version of the app you want. You'll be limited to the latest version of the app that's compatible with your operating system.

If you need an app that you've never downloaded before, and it's not compatible with your old iPhone, it's still possible to get it. You'll need a device that runs a newer operating system, though.

How to download new apps on your older iPhone

1. Purchase and download the app on your newer device, using the same Apple ID.
2. After the new app is downloaded, open the App Store on your older iPhone.
3. Click on the profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. It should have your profile picture or your initials on a gray background.
4. Tap on the Purchased button.
5. Tap on My Purchases. The newly downloaded app should be on this list.
6. Download a compatible version of the app on your older iPhone.

If there never was a version that worked on your older iPhone, then there's nothing you can do. But at least you can still use that app on your newer device!