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This method works if you have access to another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that is running a more recent version of iOS (e.g., iOS 12, 13, or later).

Tap download, and a functional, older version of the app will install. What Apps Still Work on iOS 9.3.5?

—remain stuck on iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 for cellular models). While these devices are functional, their app ecosystem has officially entered "legacy" status.

Allows you to manually sideload legally backed-up .ipa files of old apps that developers have completely pulled from the Apple ecosystem. Summary Checklist for iOS 9.3.5 Users

The most reliable way to install apps on an iPad or iPhone running iOS 9.3.5 is by using the section of the App Store. Method 1: The Purchased Section Trick Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device.

Apple recommends that devices on iOS 9.3.5 be from sensitive data and never used for banking, email, or corporate authentication.

: Puffin Web Browser often performs faster than the outdated Safari on older hardware.

If you try to download a popular app today, you will likely encounter the dreaded message: "This application requires iOS 13.0 or later." However, all is not lost. How to Download Older Versions of Apps

Older apps, especially web-based ones (Netflix, YouTube), may crash if their backend service no longer supports the app's protocol.

Many classic calculators, note-taking apps, and offline maps still work without needing server-side updates.

Using an App Store keyword like appstore ios 9.3.5 reveals a small but dedicated community of users keeping their classic Apple devices alive. While the modern app ecosystem has largely moved on, a path remains for those willing to explore the "Purchased" tab and the necessary iTunes workaround. For basic media consumption on platforms like Netflix and YouTube, and for accessing essential services through legacy apps or updated web browsers, an iOS 9.3.5 device can still serve a purpose.

Apple removed the App Store from iTunes in version 12.7. However, Apple released a legacy version (iTunes 12.6.5) that retains the App Store interface.

The core of the problem lies in technology's forward march. Modern apps are built for 64-bit hardware, but devices on iOS 9.3.5 operate on a 32-bit architecture, creating a fundamental incompatibility. As app developers move on to support only recent iOS versions, they drop support for these older systems. This means that for most apps on the App Store, you will only see a message stating that the app requires a newer version of iOS, and the download button will be replaced by a greyed-out, non-functional "Requires iOS XX" notification.