iOS apps: install old versions - how it works

Sometimes it is necessary to install old versions of iOS apps on the iPhone. This is the case if you are using an old version of the Apple operating system. In this guide we clarify how you can do the installation.

Install old iOS apps - the reasons

If you have an old iPhone, you may not be able to use current apps. This is because they are only compatible with newer versions of the Apple operating system.

• Since Apple discontinued the support of old smartphone generations after a certain time, the current operating systems can no longer be installed. The desired app cannot be used under these conditions.
• Hope older versions of apps. Although these cannot use the latest features, they often allow access to basic functions.

Install older versions - so it'll work

This is only intended for apps that you have already downloaded and uninstalled from the device. However, a trick will help trick the system and use older versions of apps that you have not previously installed on your smartphone. To do this, the following requirements must be met.

• You need a computer with the business version of iTunes. However, it must be older than version 12.7. Because in the older versions the App Store is still included. Version 12.6.5. Apple offers for download.
• You need an Apple iCloud-enabled device.
• The app developers must continue to allow data exchange between the app and its servers.

Install old iOS apps - so it works

But what do you actually have to do if the old version of an app is to be installed on the device? First buy the app via the business version of iTunes. It is important that you do this with the same Apple ID that you use for the smartphone.

• After you have purchased the app in this way, it will be displayed in the smartphone's app store with the cloud symbol.
• The App Store now offers you to download a version that is compatible with your device.
• Of course, this does not only apply to iPhones. You can also install old apps on iPads using your computer.

Further measures and tips

Before you take on this effort and the app may no longer be available in a version that you can use, you should find out in advance whether there are old versions of the app.

• On the Appshopper website you can find out how long the app has been available. If this does not lead to a solution, it is helpful to use the Find Old Apps or Apple Club services.
• These search engines will help you find apps that are compatible with your operating system. At least you can use it to research whether there are alternatives to the app you want.