Can an old iPad 10.3.3 be used for storing recipes and as an e-reader without battery issues?

Have an old iPad that has not been in use for quite some time. I'm aware I can't update but can it still be use by me to store recipes that I've saved to a jump drive over the years or as an e- reader for books from the library? I've read that some people have had issues with batteries ballooning and ruining the display. Would it be worth the cost to have it replaced before I attempt to use it for those purposes


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iPad 10.3.3

iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 10, 2025 05:03 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 10, 2025 05:34 AM

With iOS 10.3.3 installed, you have an iPad4.


Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete. Being fully obsolete, Apple does not offer battery replacement or other repairs - and as such, battery replacement will only be potentially aviation from a third-party repair shop.


App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and have withdrawn all 32-bit Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements than your iPad is capable, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Spending any money on your iPad4 is potentially wasted expense.


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 10, 2025 05:34 AM in response to Whattodoifhacked

With iOS 10.3.3 installed, you have an iPad4.


Update support for iPad4 ended September 2017. The final iOS releases for this model were iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only models) and iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular). iPad4 cannot be updated to any later major version of iOS as it lacks the minimum hardware requirements needed to run more recent versions. The 32-bit platform upon which the iPad4 is based is obsolete. Being fully obsolete, Apple does not offer battery replacement or other repairs - and as such, battery replacement will only be potentially aviation from a third-party repair shop.


App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and have withdrawn all 32-bit Apps from the Apple App Store. Withdrawal of Apps supporting older models of iPad is making their utility and usefulness significantly more limited. Once compatible versions Apps are withdrawn, you’ll not be able (re)download or (re)install them.


If Apps that you need to use now have higher minimum iOS-version requirements than your iPad is capable, your only option is to replace your iPad with newer model. Spending any money on your iPad4 is potentially wasted expense.


Aug 10, 2025 12:20 PM in response to Whattodoifhacked

Apple actively support their products with software updates and repair services significantly longer than many other manufacturers. History demonstrates that System Software Updates are generally available for at least five years, extending to seven for some models.


However, support eventually becomes uneconomic - in particular for devices that lack the necessary hardware resources to support the ever increasing demands of modern software. Should you choose to do pursue battery replacement, some third-party repairers continue to offer replacement services - but this will not resolve the reality of dwindling availability of compatible Apps and services.

Aug 10, 2025 02:51 PM in response to Whattodoifhacked


Whattodoifhacked (Author)

Perhaps to ask an independent authorized Apple repair

service in your geographic proximity, about their ability

to acquire & install a reliably good quality replacement

'cell' in your obsolete iPad model: Maybe they could.


There's still some life in old iPad4 or iPad Mini Wi-Fi.


Mine seems to work fairly good; & older bookmarks

also come up more often than not. Much older sites

are available to re-view too. If you use web.archives.

And security could be extended if you 'self-certify.'


The battery should not be a big issue. While swelling

and leaking, of an old one ~ sequestered inside, IS.


Good luck & happy trails!🍄 ©1977 BJShafferSr

Aug 10, 2025 05:04 AM in response to Whattodoifhacked

Have an old iPad that has not been in use for quite some time. I'm aware I can't update but can it still be use by me to store recipes that I've saved to a jump drive over the years or as an e- reader for books from the library? I've read that some people have had issues with batteries ballooning and ruining the display. Would it be worth the cost to have it replaced before I attempt to use it for those purposes


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iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 10, 2025 5:03 AM

Can an old iPad 10.3.3 be used for storing recipes and as an e-reader without battery issues?

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