Is there ANY kind of support for the 1st Gen iPad Mini, model #FD533LL/A?
I was able to factory reset one we purchased for our daughter and it did reset, but now I've found that I can't download any apps, as the Appstore message is "does not support this ipad version". We wanted to turn this old iPad Mini into a ebook reader, but it seems we can't even do that, as trying to update the payment info won't work, and none of the updated apps will install.
iPad mini, iOS 9
The iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).
Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. These models of iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.
You may need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available. App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. 32-bit versions of Apps have been retired and removed from the Apple App Store. As such, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad.
If you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.
Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.
The iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 can only be updated to iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models) or iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular models).
Apple ended update support for these models in September 2016. These models of iPad cannot be updated to iOS 10 or later major versions of iOS, as the internal hardware does not meet the minimum technical requirements for new versions of iOS/iPadOS. This limitation cannot be bypassed; these are 32-bit architecture devices, whilst all recent versions of iOS/iPadOS are designed for 64-bit hardware platforms. iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 are obsolete.
You may need to consider that compatible Apps for older models of iPad are no longer available. App Developers have dropped all support for 32-bit devices and many for iOS versions preceding iOS11/12/13. 32-bit versions of Apps have been retired and removed from the Apple App Store. As such, you’ll not be able to (re)download or install them - which may severely limit the usefulness and utility of your iPad.
If you want or need to access most current Apps, requiring more recent versions of iOS than your iPad is capable, you’ll need to consider replacement of your iPad with a newer or current model.
Of current models, even the entry-level iPad9 has specifications and capabilities that will massively outperform you current iPad - and is compatible with the vast majority of current Apps. Other models are more powerful still.
A lot of times the app support is up to the app developer if they really want to provide continued support. Sometimes you might be able to recover from a backup and still recover older apps/versions, but not if you start from scratch.
Apple doesn’t have hardware support either.
iPad mini 1st Gen Support
