. While most modern developers no longer support this version, you can still run many popular apps by downloading "last compatible versions" from your App Store purchase history .
Sign in with the same Apple ID you use on your iOS 9.3.5 device. Search for the app you want and download it. (You can delete it immediately afterward if you wish). This links the app license to your Apple ID cloud history.
One of the biggest benefits of a 32-bit iOS 9 operating system is that it can run classic mobile games that were completely wiped out by the 64-bit transition of iOS 11.
While official support for iOS 9.3.5 has long ended, you can still turn an older device like an iPad 2 or iPad Mini 1 into a functional secondary machine. The key to finding "best" apps in 2026 is utilizing the App Store's "Last Compatible Version" feature
– Spotify has long been compatible with iOS 9.3.5, but recent reports indicate some users face installation issues. If the direct download method fails, use the "last compatible version" tricks described at the start of this article, which often succeed where direct installation fails.
This is where the iPhone 4S shines as a dedicated media player.
Log into your Apple ID on a newer Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or a Mac/PC running an older version of iTunes with the App Store).
The older compatible version still allows access to thousands of indie stories and community ebooks. Best Classic Games for iOS 9.3.5
: Useful for viewing and retrieving documents across devices.
Older 32-bit games run beautifully on iOS 9.3.5 because they were designed for this exact hardware architecture.
iOS 9.3.5 Compatible Apps List: Best Picks to Revive Old Devices
To ensure these apps run as smoothly as possible on aging processors, apply these settings adjustments:
Use the search term in the App Store. Developers rarely mark their apps as legacy, but if you find a "lite" version of a game from 2015, it will likely work.
– The built‑in Notes app remains fully functional and is great for quick jottings, checklists, and reminders. It even includes basic drawing tools and image insertion capabilities, which were added with iOS 9.