Let’s first confirm the basics. Can you physically open the App Store on an iPhone 4s running iOS 9.3.5?
Yes, you can. The App Store app will launch. However, you will immediately notice two things:
The AppStore on iOS 9.3.5 is a shadow of its former self, but it is not dead. Using the "Last Compatible Version" trick, you can still turn your iPhone 4s into a phenomenal music player, navigation device, or retro gaming handheld.
The key is managing expectations. You will never run TikTok or modern banking apps. You will encounter broken images and slow load times. However, for the millions of people using these devices as dedicated tools—for a child's first iPad, a car's dedicated GPS, or a kitchen recipe viewer—iOS 9.3.5 remains surprisingly usable.
Your action plan today:
Do not wait. The App Store on iOS 9.3.5 may not be here forever. Enjoy the nostalgia while it lasts.
Have a tip or a working app we missed? Let us know in the comments (if you can load this page on your iOS 9.3.5 device, that is).
Important Note: iOS 9.3.5 was released in August 2016. Apple no longer supports this version. The App Store on this version is in a legacy, read-only state. You cannot download the latest versions of most modern apps. You can only download the last compatible version of an app that you have already downloaded before (on any iOS device with the same Apple ID).
This focuses on helping people who are stuck on this version. appstore ios 9.3.5
Headline: How to Survive the App Store on iOS 9.3.5 in 2024
Body: So, you’re rocking an iPhone 4s or an iPad 2 stuck on iOS 9.3.5. You’ve probably noticed that opening the App Store feels like a ghost town, or worse—every app you try to download says "Requires iOS 13 or later."
Don’t throw that device in the drawer just yet. Here is the survival guide for iOS 9.3.5 users:
1. The "Purchase" Trick 🛒 If you previously downloaded an app on a newer device in the past, go to the App Store on your 9.3.5 device > Tap your Profile Icon > tap "Purchased." Find the app you want and tap the cloud icon. It will prompt you to download the last compatible version for your iOS. This is a lifesaver for apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify. Let’s first confirm the basics
2. Ditch the App Store for Web Apps 🌐 Many modern services have stopped supporting the old app versions. The workaround? Use Safari. Create a shortcut to the mobile site of YouTube, Twitter, or Reddit. They often work better than the abandoned 2016 apps anyway.
3. Essential Legacy Apps 📥 Some apps still work perfectly offline:
iOS 9.3.5 might be old, but for a dedicated media player or a distraction-free writing tablet, it’s still a powerhouse.
What is your favorite app that still works on iOS 9? Let’s build a list! Do not wait