Apple has introduced a new feature on the App Store that allows older iDevices to download the “last compatible version” of an app. This is especially useful for those whose devices cannot support the latest iOS updates.
The App Store will automatically detect if the current iOS version on your device meets the minimum requirements for the app. If it doesn’t, the App Store will offer to download an older version of the app that is compatible with your device.
While Apple has made efforts to maintain compatibility for older devices, the release of iOS 7 only supports the fifth-generation iPod touch. This means that users with older devices can still benefit from accessing older versions of their favorite apps.
It would be great for Apple to offer the option to download any older version of an app on demand, but for now, the “last compatible version” feature is a step in the right direction.
To update to iOS 7, users with compatible devices can do so for free through iTunes or the wireless software update feature on their iDevice. The exact time of release hasn’t been announced, but previous iOS updates have typically arrived in the early afternoon (between 12 and 2 p.m. EDT).
FAQs
1. How can I download the “last compatible version” of an app on my older iDevice?
The App Store will automatically prompt you to download the last compatible version of an app if your device does not meet the minimum requirements for the latest version. Simply follow the prompts and you’ll be able to download the older version.
2. Which devices are supported by iOS 7?
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 4s
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPad 2
- iPad (3rd generation)
- iPad (4th generation)
- iPad mini
- iPod touch (5th generation)
Don’t miss out on accessing your favorite apps just because your iDevice can’t support the latest iOS updates. With the “last compatible version” feature on the App Store, you can still enjoy older versions of your favorite apps on your older iDevices.