App

How to get older apps for iPhone that can’t run iOS 16

November 29, 2022
Jill D. Clifton


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If you have an older iPhone that still runs like a champ but can’t run iOS 16, all is not lost. This will give you an older version of the app you want and still work on your iPhone.

If your iPhone cannot run iOS 16, you can still download older versions of the app. These instructions work on devices older than the iPhone 8 and the original iPhone SE, with some differences depending on the operating system.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it.

How to get older apps on an iPhone that won’t run iOS 16

  1. Turn on your old device and open the App Store.

  2. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. It should have your profile picture or initials on a gray background.

  3. Tap the Purchased button.

  4. Tap My Purchases. You’ll see a list of all the apps you’ve previously downloaded and installed using your Apple ID. Note: Older iPhones may take some time to load the full list of your apps. So be patient.

  5. Scroll or search for the app in question. Note: You will not be able to find apps that have been retired from the App Store, either by the developer or by Apple’s Obsolete App Cleanup.

  6. Any app previously downloaded but not on this device will have an iCloud icon next to it. Tap this iCloud icon to install the app on your device.

  7. If the latest version of the app isn’t compatible with your old iPhone, you’ll see this message: “Download an older version of this app?” Tap Download.
Even though it's hidden, Apple lets you download old app versions.

Even though it’s hidden, Apple lets you download old app versions.

Note that this will be an outdated version of the app, so features may be limited, but at least you’ll be able to run it on your older iPhone. Also, you can’t choose which version of the app you want. You are limited to the latest version of the app that is compatible with your operating system.

If you need an app that you’ve never downloaded before and it’s not compatible with your old iPhone, you can still download it. However, you will need a device running a newer operating system.

How to download new apps on your older iPhone

  1. Purchase and download the app to your newer device using the same Apple ID.

  2. After the new app has downloaded, open the App Store on your older iPhone.

  3. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. It should have your profile picture or initials on a gray background.

  4. Tap the Purchased button.

  5. Tap My Purchases. The newly downloaded app should be on this list.

  6. Download a compatible version of the app on your older iPhone.

If there was never a version that worked on your older iPhone, there’s nothing you can do. But at least you can still use this app on your newer device!