Ios 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List May 2026

iOS 9.3.5 is the last version for 32-bit devices (iPhone 4s, iPad 2/3/mini 1, iPod touch 5th gen).
You can still use basic apps, but the ecosystem is no longer actively supported by most major developers.

✅ What works well – Lightweight, legacy, or offline-focused apps.
❌ What’s mostly dead – Modern social media, banking, streaming, and cloud-dependent apps.

Not everything works here. Facebook and Instagram are dead on iOS 9. However, these three stalwarts still function surprisingly well.

Do not bother with: WhatsApp (deprecated), Facebook Messenger (login loop), Twitter/X (API errors), Reddit (certificate expired).

If you want, I can produce a curated list of specific app titles (by category) likely to run on iOS 9.3.5, or help you check a particular app’s compatibility—tell me which apps or categories you care about.

iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you still using an iPhone or iPad running on iOS 9.3.5? While it's an older version of the operating system, you can still enjoy a wide range of compatible apps. In this article, we'll provide you with a list of popular and functional apps that work seamlessly on iOS 9.3.5.

Social Media Apps

Productivity Apps

Gaming Apps

Music and Video Apps

Utility Apps

Conclusion

While iOS 9.3.5 is an older version of the operating system, many popular apps still work seamlessly on compatible devices. This list covers a range of social media, productivity, gaming, music, and utility apps that you can enjoy on your iPhone or iPad. Keep in mind that some apps may not receive updates or support for iOS 9.3.5, so be sure to check for any compatibility issues before downloading. ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list

Limitations and Considerations

Final Tips

If you are holding onto an iPad 2, iPad 3, original iPad mini, or a 4th-generation iPod Touch, you are likely well acquainted with iOS 9.3.5. This was the final software update for these devices, representing the end of the line for Apple’s support.

In the modern tech era, using a device stuck on a 2016 operating system can feel limiting. Many popular apps (like YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram) have dropped support for iOS 9, leaving users with a "skeletal" device.

However, your legacy device is far from useless. With the right apps and a few specific tricks, you can breathe new life into your older hardware. Here is your ultimate list of iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps and how to get them.

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

Living with Legacy: The Best Apps for iOS 9.3.5 If you are holding an iPad Mini (1st Gen), an iPad 2, or an iPhone 4s, you are likely locked at iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 for cellular models). While Apple has long since moved on, these devices remain surprisingly capable for basic tasks if you know which apps still "talk" to the older software. The "Last Compatible Version" Trick

Before diving into the list, remember that the standard App Store might tell you an app is incompatible. To get around this, you must have previously "purchased" or downloaded the app on a newer device using the same Apple ID. Once it's in your history: Open the App Store on your iOS 9 device. Go to the Purchased tab. Find the app and tap the Cloud icon.

A prompt will appear asking if you want to "Download the last compatible version." Tap Download. Essential Apps for iOS 9.3.5 1. Media & Entertainment

VLC for Mobile: A powerhouse for offline media. It plays almost any file format you throw at it, making old iPads great dedicated movie players. Not everything works here

YouTube: While the official app can be finicky on iOS 9, it often still works via the "Last Compatible Version" method. If it fails, the Safari browser remains a reliable way to watch videos.

Netflix: You can typically download an older version if you have it in your purchase history, though performance may be sluggish. 2. Browsing & Communication

Telegram: Surprisingly, Telegram remains one of the most functional messaging apps on older firmware, though you may experience occasional lag.

Puffin Web Browser: Often faster than Safari on legacy hardware because it uses cloud rendering to process heavy web pages.

Google Chrome: Older versions are still available through the purchase history method, providing a familiar interface for sync. 3. Productivity & Creativity

Procreate: Version 3.1.4 is the final compatible release for iOS 9.3.5. It’s an excellent way to turn an old iPad into a digital sketchbook.

Polaris Office: A solid choice for viewing and basic editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

Apple iWork Suite (Pages, Numbers, Keynote): Older versions of Apple’s native productivity apps usually work well via the "Purchased" tab. What Doesn't Work?

Many modern "heavy" apps and games have moved their minimum requirements far beyond iOS 9: Roblox : Now requires at least iOS 13.

Discord: Recent updates have completely broken compatibility with older versions.

Banking Apps: Most financial institutions require iOS 15+ for security reasons. Pro Tip: Use the Web

When an app fails, try the Safari or Puffin browser. Many services (like Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube) have "Lite" or mobile web versions that function reasonably well without needing a dedicated app.

Finding apps for iOS 9.3.5 is difficult because it is an obsolete operating system that most developers no longer support. However, you can still use many popular apps by downloading their "Last Compatible Version". The "Purchased" Trick (Crucial) With the right apps

You cannot usually download a new app directly from the App Store if it requires a newer iOS. To bypass this:

Use a newer device: Sign into your Apple ID on a modern iPhone or iPad and "Get" the app there first.

Back on the iOS 9 device: Open the App Store and go to the Purchased tab.

Download from history: Find the app and tap the cloud icon. It will ask: "Download an older version of this app?" Tap Download. Compatible Apps List (Last Known Working)

The following apps are known to have legacy versions that still function on iOS 9.3.5: Apps with Legacy Support Streaming Netflix, YouTube, VLC Netflix requires the "Purchased" trick. Social Telegram, Facebook Telegram is notably stable on iOS 9. Browsers Puffin Browser, Chrome Puffin is often faster for modern web rendering. Productivity Polaris Office, Google Drive Useful for basic file viewing and light editing. E-Books Kindle, Apple Books Excellent for turning old iPads into dedicated readers. Incompatible Apps

Some apps have changed their server-side requirements, meaning even if you download an old version, they will not connect: WhatsApp: Requires iOS 15.1 or newer. Roblox: Requires iOS 13 or higher. Banking Apps: Most require modern iOS for security reasons. Pro Tips for Performance

Web Versions: If an app like Instagram or Twitter doesn't work, use the Safari or Puffin browser to access the website version. You can "Add to Home Screen" to create a shortcut icon.

Avoid Updates: Once you get a working version, don't try to update it, as it may break compatibility.

Are you trying to set up a specific device like an iPad mini 1 or an iPad 2?

Here’s a solid, curated review of the iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps list — what you can realistically expect, which apps still work, and what’s broken.

Streaming apps are the hardest hit by OS updates. However, some big players still offer legacy support, or server-side workarounds.

This is where iOS 9.3.5 shines. Many 32-bit classics that died on modern iOS live here.