Turn your legacy iPad into a dedicated typewriter or study workstation by pairing it with a cheap Bluetooth keyboard.
While developers have moved on, many apps that were once on your device have older versions still hidden away on Apple's servers. Here’s a curated list of apps that are confirmed to work or have a high probability of working on iOS 9.3.5.
What is your ? (e.g., watching videos, reading, smart home display)
Simple utility apps and older mobile games that do not rely on constant server-side connection updates run incredibly well on the A5 and A6 processors found in iOS 9.3.5 hardware.
Note: Because app developers constantly update their servers, some older versions of apps may download but fail to connect to modern backend servers. The apps listed below have been verified to either work in their legacy state or offer functional workarounds. 1. Productivity & Office ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list
Below is a list of apps known to work on iOS 9.3.5 as of April 2026, categorized by their utility. Productivity & Utilities : While Safari is often outdated, third-party browsers like iCab Mobile Puffin Browser still offer functional web browsing on older devices. Office & Notes Polaris Office Tayasui Sketches
Ultimately, navigating the app list for iOS 9.3.5 requires a shift in mindset. It is no longer about finding the newest, flashiest software, but about preservation and specific utility. While these devices cannot run modern banking apps or chat with the latest features, they are far from useless. Through the "Purchased" section and a reliance on offline functionality, iOS 9.3
Older versions still connect to the cloud, allowing basic text editing and file viewing, though heavy spreadsheets may lag. 3. Social Media & Communication
: 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) Turn your legacy iPad into a dedicated typewriter
For tech-savvy users, jailbreaking an iOS 9.3.5 device using tools like opens up deeper customization.
However, your legacy device is far from useless. With the right software, these devices still make excellent dedicated e-readers, media players, smart home dashboards, and distraction-free writing tools. This guide provides a curated list of compatible apps and the hidden workarounds needed to download them. The Secret Trick to Download Apps on iOS 9.3.5
If you do not have a newer iOS device, you can use an older version of iTunes on a PC or Mac (specifically iTunes 12.6.5, which still features the built-in App Store). Download and install iTunes 12.6.5 on your computer. Log into your Apple ID.
Before looking at the list, you must know how to get them. If you try to download an app directly on an iOS 9 device, you will likely get an "App Not Compatible" message. What is your
Download and install on a Windows PC or older Mac. This is the last version of iTunes that includes the built-in App Store. Log into your Apple ID. Search for and "buy" (download) the free apps you want.
Log into your Apple ID on a (iPhone, iPad, or Mac).
Many developers have stopped supporting iOS 9 entirely. If an app requires a server connection, it may no longer connect.
If an app developer completely removed their old 32-bit server endpoints, the app may download but fail to connect to the internet. The list below highlights apps that still function or have viable workarounds. The iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List 1. Entertainment & Video Streaming
: Helpful for tracking other legacy devices registered to your family account. Maximize Performance on iOS 9.3.5
Open your iOS 9.3.5 device, go to , and click the cloud icon. Categorized iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List