You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iPad says" not compatible" when I try to download apps

Why is it showing a message " not compatible " when i try to download apps from my ipad


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 9:43 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 12:02 PM

Your iPad mini with iOS 9 is very old by modern standards and there are very, very few apps still available for it on the App Store. Developers tend to only keep versions for the last couple of iOS versions and the current version is 14. You can try updating it but even if you can go to a higher iOS it won't be by very much and you'll have the same problem. :-(


On your device, tap:

Settings > General > Software Update.


1. If it says your device is up to date there is nothing more you can do. If apps you are trying to use say you need a higher iOS version, you will need to buy a newer device if you want to run those apps or features.


2. If it says an update is available you will only be given one update selection which will be the highest available iOS version supported by your device. Click on a link below for full instructions about how to update with wi-fi or 5G, or using a computer if you have storage or connectivity issues. If the update listed is not equal to or higher than the iOS version you need to use a feature, you again will need to buy newer equipment if you want to use that feature.


"Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204204


Or this video:

"How to update your iPhone or iPad" click here --> https://youtu.be/csJAEyvvruY

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 9, 2021 12:02 PM in response to Fawatte

Your iPad mini with iOS 9 is very old by modern standards and there are very, very few apps still available for it on the App Store. Developers tend to only keep versions for the last couple of iOS versions and the current version is 14. You can try updating it but even if you can go to a higher iOS it won't be by very much and you'll have the same problem. :-(


On your device, tap:

Settings > General > Software Update.


1. If it says your device is up to date there is nothing more you can do. If apps you are trying to use say you need a higher iOS version, you will need to buy a newer device if you want to run those apps or features.


2. If it says an update is available you will only be given one update selection which will be the highest available iOS version supported by your device. Click on a link below for full instructions about how to update with wi-fi or 5G, or using a computer if you have storage or connectivity issues. If the update listed is not equal to or higher than the iOS version you need to use a feature, you again will need to buy newer equipment if you want to use that feature.


"Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch" click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204204


Or this video:

"How to update your iPhone or iPad" click here --> https://youtu.be/csJAEyvvruY

iPad says" not compatible" when I try to download apps

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.