Avoid wasting time on these apps. They are completely dead on iOS 9.3.5:
This is the most frustrating category. The native YouTube app died in 2020. Here is the fix.
Safari on iOS 9.3.5 is ancient. It breaks most modern websites (HTTPS errors, CSS grid failures). You need an alternative.
Do you have an old iPhone 4s or iPad 2 collecting dust?
If you have tried to turn it on recently, you were likely greeted by a frustrating pop-up: “This app requires iOS 10 or later.” Apple stopped supporting iOS 9 with security updates years ago, and modern developers have abandoned the 32-bit architecture. This leaves millions of perfectly functional devices stranded.
But here is the good news: iOS 9.3.5 can still do amazing things if you know exactly which apps to download.
I have tested hundreds of legacy apps to bring you the definitive iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps list. Whether you need a music player, a web browser, or a writing tool, this guide will help you breathe new life into your retro iDevice.
| App Name | Last Compatible Version | Notes | |----------|------------------------|-------| | Weather Underground | 5.10 | Detailed forecasts | | BBC News | 3.6.2 | Text news works | | The Weather Channel | 9.9 | Basic forecasts |
| App Name | Last Compatible Version | Notes | |----------|------------------------|-------| | Spotify | 8.4.97 | Streaming works (no podcasts or new UI) | | SoundCloud | 5.5.0 | Basic playback works | | Apple Music | Preinstalled | Works via stock Music app | | TuneIn Radio | 12.7 | Live radio streams | | Audible | 2.20.2 | Audiobooks work if downloaded |
Do not waste storage space trying to download these, as their server-side support has been cut:
While iOS 9.3.5 is now considered an "obsolete" operating system, it remains the final destination for iconic hardware like the iPad 2, iPad Mini 1, and iPhone 4s. Using these devices today requires a shift in strategy: instead of seeking the latest apps, you must learn to unlock "last compatible versions". The Secret to Compatibility: The "Purchased" Method
Most modern apps in the App Store will officially require iOS 15, 16, or 17. However, Apple allows users to download older versions of apps they have previously owned.
Use a Newer Device First: Download the app on a modern iPhone or iPad using your Apple ID.
Access the Old Device: Open the App Store on your iOS 9.3.5 device.
Go to "Purchased": Navigate to the Purchased tab at the bottom of the screen.
Download the Cloud Icon: When you tap the cloud icon, a prompt will appear asking if you want to download the "Last Compatible Version". Tap Download. Best Apps That Still Work (Last Compatible Versions)
Based on community consensus and technical support from providers like iReal Pro and Spotify, here are the best apps currently functional on iOS 9.3.5: Social & Communication:
Messenger Lite: Often more stable than the full version on 32-bit hardware.
Telegram: Known for maintaining compatibility with older systems longer than WhatsApp. Media & Entertainment:
Spotify: Still allows for music streaming, though you may encounter interface lag. ios 935 compatible apps list best
YouTube: While the app often forces updates, you can frequently bypass this by using the Safari browser to watch videos.
Netflix: The "Purchased" method typically allows for a version that supports basic streaming.
iReal Pro: Explicitly supports downloading older versions for vintage iOS devices. Utility & Reading:
Kindle: Great for turning an old iPad Mini into a dedicated e-reader.
Google Drive/Docs: Useful for basic file viewing, though editing may be slow. Living with iOS 9.3.5 in 2026
The primary challenge today is web standards. Many websites will not load correctly in the older Safari version. To mitigate this, consider these tips:
Use Safari for Video: If an app like YouTube or Twitch crashes, the web version is often more reliable.
Avoid Bloat: Do not expect high-end games or heavy multitasking.
Security Note: Because Apple no longer provides security patches for iOS 9.3.5, avoid using these devices for banking or sensitive personal data.
For devices running iOS 9.3.5, such as the iPad 2 or iPad Mini 1, the availability of modern apps is limited. Most apps require a newer iOS version, but you can often download "last compatible versions" if the app was previously linked to your Apple ID Essential Daily Apps
These core apps generally still function, though some may require using the section of the App Store to download an older version. VLC Media Player
: Highly recommended for watching downloaded videos locally or over a network; it remains very stable on older hardware.
: Still provides updates for older versions, making it a reliable messaging choice for iOS 9.
: Some users have reported success downloading compatible versions as recently as 2022.
: You can download a compatible version from your "Purchases," though functionality may be limited to library viewing in some cases. Netflix & YouTube
: While native apps might stop updating, they often still work if previously downloaded. Alternatively, both can be accessed via a web browser. Productivity & Utilities Goodnotes 4
: Confirmed to run flawlessly on iOS 9.3.5/6 for note-taking and PDF annotation. Polaris Office : Useful for viewing documents from multiple devices. Puffin Browser
: Often faster than Safari on older hardware and can handle modern web elements better. Microsoft Office Suite
: Versions of Word, Excel, and OneNote originally built for iOS 9 support features like Split View. Avoid wasting time on these apps
: An RSS reader that integrates with Feedly and performs well on older iPads. Social & Entertainment
Install Spotify Ios 9.3 5 for Android - Search on Google Play
If you want, I can:
As of early 2026, running iOS 9.3.5 means you are dealing with a "legacy" environment. While many modern apps require iOS 12 or later, you can still access a solid library of tools by using the "last compatible version" feature. This allows you to download older, functional versions of popular apps if you have previously "purchased" or downloaded them on your Apple ID using a newer device. Best Compatible Apps for iOS 9.3.5
These apps are frequently cited by users as remaining functional and useful on older hardware like the iPad Mini 1, iPad 2, and iPhone 4s.
iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List: A Comprehensive Review
Are you still rocking an older iPhone or iPad running on iOS 9.3.5? While it's understandable that you might not want to upgrade to the latest iOS version, you might be wondering which apps are still compatible with your device. In this review, we'll provide you with a list of iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps, highlighting some of the best options available.
The Challenge of Finding Compatible Apps
As iOS versions evolve, app developers often update their apps to support newer features and security patches. This can leave older iOS versions behind, making it challenging to find compatible apps. However, many popular apps still support iOS 9.3.5, and we've curated a list of some of the best ones.
Top iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps
Here are some of the top apps that are still compatible with iOS 9.3.5:
Best Apps for iOS 9.3.5
Some of the standout apps that are still compatible with iOS 9.3.5 include:
Conclusion
While iOS 9.3.5 may not be the latest and greatest, there are still plenty of great apps available that are compatible with this older version. The list above highlights some of the best options across various categories. Keep in mind that some apps may not receive updates or support for iOS 9.3.5, so you may encounter some limitations.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation:
If you're still using an iPhone or iPad running on iOS 9.3.5, don't worry – there are still plenty of great apps available. While it's recommended to upgrade to a newer iOS version for optimal performance and security, we understand that this might not be feasible. The list above should give you a good starting point for finding compatible apps that meet your needs.
While official support for iOS 9.3.5 has long ended, you can still turn an older device like an iPad 2 or iPad Mini 1 into a functional secondary machine. The key to finding "best" apps in 2026 is utilizing the App Store's "Last Compatible Version" feature This is the most frustrating category
, which allows you to download an older, working version of an app if you have previously "purchased" it on a newer device. Apple Support Community Essential Productivity & Utilities VLC for Mobile
: Widely cited as the most reliable media player for legacy devices; it remains highly compatible for watching local or network-streamed videos.
: Continues to work for transferring files and PDFs between newer PCs and older iOS hardware. Polaris Office
: A strong alternative for viewing documents and fetching files from other devices via the cloud. Puffin Browser : Often recommended by users on platforms like
because it handles modern web rendering faster than the native Safari app. MetaMoji Note Lite
: A functional note-taking app that supports cloud syncing and works well for basic digital handwriting. Entertainment & Media
: A compatible version can still be downloaded from your "Purchased" history, though some users report login difficulties or lack of offline downloads.
: Surprisingly, it still receives updates and remains very usable for messaging, though it may experience occasional lag on older hardware.
: While the native app is increasingly unstable, users often find success using the mobile site via Puffin Browser or specialized patches like Vendura iOS for those who have jailbroken their device.
: Reports indicate that the legacy version still functions for streaming, provided you download it through your purchase history. Legacy Gaming
Many "classic" mobile games still run smoothly on iOS 9.3.5:
iPad 2 and iOS 9.3.5: how do I find compatible apps in the store?
Running iOS 9.3.5 or 9.3.6 in 2026 presents challenges, but classic devices like the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPhone 4s can still be highly functional for specific tasks. While most modern apps require iOS 12 or later, many popular services remain accessible through legacy versions or alternative web-based solutions. Essential App Recommendations
These apps are confirmed to either still function or offer a "last compatible version" for iOS 9.3.5: Procreate
The Ultimate Guide to iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps: Get the Best Ones for Your Device
Are you still rocking 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 amazing apps on your device. However, with the ever-evolving app landscape, it's essential to know which apps are compatible with your device. In this article, we'll bring you the best iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps list, ensuring you have access to the top-notch apps for your device.
Why iOS 9.3.5 Still Matters
Although Apple has released several newer versions of iOS, iOS 9.3.5 remains a popular choice for many users. This is partly due to the fact that some older devices can still run on this version, and some users prefer to stick with a more stable and familiar interface. Whatever the reason, if you're using iOS 9.3.5, you deserve to have the best apps available.
Top iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps
To bring you the best iOS 9.3.5 compatible apps, we've scoured the App Store and compiled a list of top-notch apps that are compatible with your device. Here are some of the best apps you can download: