Is an older iPad still usable today?

[Raz0rEdge]

I meant generically you should be able to access the App Store without having to sign in. You only need to sign in if you wish to download any applications.

That being said, the situation here is that Apple has chosen to exclude a certain class of devices from accessing their current services based on age. Similarly, for Macs a group of them are deemed obsolete so they get no updates (security or otherwise) and is an indication that Apple has long moved on from them.

Seeing as Apple, generally, releases updates to their devices on a 12-18 month cycle, it's not hard to imagine that they wouldn't want to support a device that's many generations behind.

 

[PGB1]

I realize that this will be a big security risk; but I've heard of people doing what's called "side loading" apps to iPads & iPhones. The app you want will have to be available from the developer.

Perhaps then you can get a browser like Firefox, Brave, Opera or similar straight from the developer. Something like VLC can be your iTunes alternative. A quick check showed that instructions for sideloading are at many web sites.

Cyndia is a 3rd party app store for iOS. I have No Idea if it is safe. I've just heard people discussing it.

I wonder, too, if Jailbreaking the iPad is possible or helpful.

Please, again: Security is questionable, so study well.

Paul

 

[hempomatic]

Paul, that stuff is SO out of my wheelhouse, but thank you for the response ! It took me 2 hours to simply get my Apple ID to work.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Yes, Jailbreaking is possible, but is generally not recommended for most cases.

 

[pm-r]

I have an older iPad that hasn't been used in a few years.

How old is that "old iPad" actually and what iPad OS version is it running, as if you tried other third-party applications for your browser and email?



- Patrick
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[Rod]

You could connect it to a Mac computer via USB, if it shows up, setup as "New" this should erase it and Instal the most recent OS it can run. You said it had been unused for a couple of years so it can't be that old or is it? You can look up the serial number. It's in Settings > General > About. Here: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Folks joining this thread late..this is the 1st generation iPad that's now nearly 14 years old. Running a very old version of iOS before iPadOS even existed. The App Store support for this device stopped in 2018 and the browser is very old and doesn't work most of the latest websites.

 

[hempomatic]

How old is that "old iPad" actually and what iPad OS version is it running, as if you tried other third-party applications for your browser and email?



- Patrick
=======

You could connect it to a Mac computer via USB, if it shows up, setup as "New" this should erase it and Instal the most recent OS it can run. You said it had been unused for a couple of years so it can't be that old or is it? You can look up the serial number. It's in Settings > General > About. Here: Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

Folks joining this thread late..this is the 1st generation iPad that's now nearly 14 years old. Running a very old version of iOS before iPadOS even existed. The App Store support for this device stopped in 2018 and the browser is very old and doesn't work most of the latest websites.

Well ..........
Patrick, Gen 1 iPad, purchased when they were first introduced.
Rod, it is updated as far as it can go to 5.1.1
Ashwin, yep, 2018 was when Apple walked away.

Tried to jailbreak it with Cydia, that was a no go. I was able to download it, but not open it.

Live and learn. 14 years is a pretty long time in the general scheme of technology I guess. Picked up a 9th Gen unit today. Let the learning curve begin

As usual ..... thanks for your help.