Downloading app on unsupported iPad

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Downloading app on unsupported iPad

Hi. I have a 1st generation iPad Pro 12.9 with iPadOS 16. I installed a paid app that's no longer compatible with the device because it requires iPadOS 17 (it still works for me, just without the update). So, my main question: I want to sell the iPad, but I want a new user to be able to use this app when they buy it. If they access the App Store through a browser and purchase the app with their Apple account, will they be able to download an older, compatible version of the app after logging in with that account on this iPad with iPadOS 16?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 16

Posted on Oct 11, 2025 1:25 AM

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Answer 1

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Niel

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Oct 11, 2025 7:48 AM in response to Zajkosky

Applications can't be bought through a web browser. If it's done from the App Store on a newer unit, it depends on whether the developer has left a compatible version available.

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Answer 2

Niel

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Oct 11, 2025 8:14 AM in response to Zajkosky

Yes.

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Answer 3

Zajkosky Author

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Oct 11, 2025 3:13 AM in response to muguy

Any explanation of that?

If something like below will not work?

Sign in using your Apple ID from your older iPad. You must use the same Apple ID on both the newer device and the older iPad for this process to work.
Open the App Store and tap the search button on the bottom right.
Find the app you want to download and tap "get."
Once the app finishes downloading, open the App Store on your old iPad.
Tap your profile picture or initials in the upper right corner.
Tap on "purchased," then "my purchases."
Find your newly downloaded app on your "my purchases" list.
Allow the iPad to download the compatible version.

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Answer 4

muguy

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Oct 11, 2025 2:22 AM in response to Zajkosky

No. The app will not work.

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Answer 5

Zajkosky Author

Level 1

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Oct 11, 2025 8:13 AM in response to Niel

So if developer has left the compatible version available, it will be possible to install it on unsupported iPadOS if previously installed on newer unit on the same account?

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