✅ These run fine if installed via Purchased tab in App Store.
Use iOS 9.3.5 only if:
Avoid if: You rely on modern social media, banking, streaming, or two-factor authentication apps.
Would you like a printable checklist of confirmed working apps, or help finding the last compatible version of a specific app?
While many modern apps require newer operating systems, several essential applications still support iOS 9.3.5 through "last compatible version" downloads . Notable compatible apps include iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps (2026 Status)
These apps are confirmed to work, though they may require you to download them from your "Purchased" history if they have been previously owned on your Apple ID.
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.
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.
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. ios 9.3.5 compatible apps list
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.
iOS 9.3.5 is an older operating system, and most modern apps now require at least iOS 13 or 14. However, you can still use a variety of apps by downloading their "last compatible version."
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
are compatible, providing document viewing and drawing capabilities. Calculators & Tools Basic Calculator+ Elegantune Chromatic Tuner Pro are useful additions for standard tasks. File Management remains a reliable option for syncing files across devices. Entertainment & Media Video Streaming : You can download compatible versions of Amazon Prime Video . While the
app may require a workaround, it is often accessible via a web browser. Amazon Music ✅ These run fine if installed via Purchased
still function if you have previously "purchased" them on your Apple ID. Media Players
is highly recommended for watching downloaded videos locally. Communication & Social
is known to be very usable, though it may occasionally lag. Apple's built-in also remains fully functional. Social Media : Older versions of may still work if previously installed. Video Calls
reportedly still allows downloads of compatible versions for iOS 9.3.5.
Finding apps for iOS 9.3.5 in 2026 can be tricky since most major apps now require much newer versions. However, many "legacy" versions of popular apps are still accessible if you have previously "purchased" them on your Apple ID. Working Apps for iOS 9.3.5
While these apps may no longer receive feature updates, the following have been reported as usable on iOS 9.3.5: Media & Entertainment:
VLC: Highly compatible and excellent for watching downloaded local video files.
Spotify: Accessible by downloading the "last compatible version" from your purchase history.
Amazon Prime Video & Music: Reported to still function surprisingly well.
YouTube: The dedicated app may require the "purchased" workaround; alternatively, it works via the Safari browser. Productivity & Tools:
Zoom: Users have reported being able to download and use it for basic meetings.
Telegram: Usable for messaging, though it may experience some lag on older hardware.
Dropbox: Still works for file management since iOS 9 lacks a native "Files" app. Use iOS 9
Polaris Office: Good for viewing documents from multiple devices.
GoodNotes 4: A reliable choice for students taking notes on older iPads like the iPad 2.
Puffin Browser: Often faster than Safari on older devices and handles some web content better. Creative & Utility:
Tayasui Sketches: A drawing app that remains available for legacy users.
Basic Calculator+: A necessary addition since older iPads did not include a native calculator.
Elegantune Chromatic Tuner: Useful for tuning musical instruments. How to Install Incompatible Apps
If you see an "Incompatible" error in the App Store, you can often bypass it using the Purchased Tab Method:
Download on a New Device: Use a newer iPhone or iPad (or a computer with an older version of iTunes) to "buy" the app with your Apple ID.
Access Purchases: On your iOS 9 device, open the App Store and go to the Purchased tab.
Download Last Compatible Version: Locate the app and tap the cloud icon. A prompt will appear asking if you want to "Download the last compatible version." Select Download. Web-Based Alternatives
| App | Status | |------|--------| | Facebook | Last compatible version broken (API errors) | | Instagram | Broken – login fails | | WhatsApp | Completely dead | | Slack | Cannot connect | | Zoom | Requires iOS 10+ | | Gmail | Last version loads but slow & insecure | | Banking apps | Almost none work (security certs outdated) |
Before we list the apps, it is crucial to understand a major hurdle. Apple has removed many 32-bit apps from the App Store. When you search for apps now, you are generally shown the most recent versions, which require iOS 12, 14, or higher.
The Solution: "Purchase" History. If you previously downloaded an app when your device was newer, you can often redownload the last compatible version. Even if the app is free, "purchasing" it on a modern device links it to your account. You can then go to your old device’s App Store > Updates > Purchased section to download the "Legacy Version."
Note: This trick is becoming less reliable as developers pull legacy versions entirely, but it is still the best way to get apps like YouTube or Facebook.