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An old iPad can still be useful as an e-reader, local media player, music device, or dedicated screen—but whether a particular app will install depends on the iPad model and the iPadOS version it can run. Check compatibility on the device before planning around any app; “old iPad” is not a single compatibility category.
Check compatibility before choosing apps
Open the App Store on the iPad and view the app’s listing to see whether the version available to that device is compatible. Requirements change, and a listing for a current app does not guarantee it will install on every older iPad. For reference, current listings state that Libby requires iPadOS 10 or later and VLC requires iPadOS 9 or later; confirm the listing on your own device before relying on those versions.
If an app is unavailable, start with apps already installed and web services that still work in Safari. Older hardware may also struggle with modern sites or media even when an app can be installed.
Six practical app choices for an old iPad
1. Libby for library ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines
Libby connects readers to participating libraries’ digital collections. Borrowing requires a library card and access to a participating collection. The app’s current listing describes ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, with downloads available for offline use. In the United States, eligible ebooks can also be sent to Kindle. The listing states iPadOS 10 or later; check the App Store on the iPad for current compatibility. Libby on the App Store; Libby borrowing and reading help.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
2. VLC for locally stored video and audio
VLC is a free, open-source player for many common movie, television, and music formats. It can work with files stored on the iPad and offers file-synchronization and network-streaming options. Its App Store listing states iPadOS 9 or later. That minimum does not guarantee every file or stream will play smoothly on older hardware; performance depends on the device and media. VLC on the App Store.
3. Spotify for online music and podcasts
Spotify’s free offering includes online music and podcast streaming on a tablet. Do not count on the free tier for offline downloads or audiobook-catalog access: the listing associates those features with Premium. A device’s ability to install the current app and stream reliably depends on its software, hardware, and connection. Spotify on the App Store.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
4. Safari for web-based services
If Safari is already on the iPad and can still load the sites you need, it may be enough for email, reference pages, and other lightweight web tasks. A browser app such as Chrome is another possibility, but its appearance in the App Store’s free iPad chart does not establish compatibility with older iPads. Check its listing on the device rather than assuming it will install. Apple App Store free iPad app chart.
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5. An e-reader app for books you own or borrow
Apple Books, Kindle, and Kobo are options to investigate if you want to read books associated with those services. An iPad can bring access to more than one book service, but current availability and minimum iPadOS requirements vary. Check the individual App Store listing on the iPad before trying to download an app. Libby is a separate library-borrowing option when your library participates.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
6. A video or creative app for a dedicated screen
An iPad can serve as a screen for streaming, drawing, or reference material if an app still supports its software and the device can handle the task. YouTube, Netflix, Canva, and Pinterest appear among Apple’s current free-app chart examples, but chart placement is not proof that a particular version works on legacy hardware. Streaming services may require an account or subscription. Apple App Store free iPad app chart.
A compatible Mac owner may also be able to use an iPad as a second screen with Apple’s Sidecar feature. This is a conditional use, not a general solution for every iPad and Mac combination; verify that both devices meet Apple’s requirements before setting it up.
Rank #4
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
Choose based on how you use the iPad
| Use | Works offline? | What you need | Compatibility note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libby library reading or listening | Yes, for titles downloaded in advance | A library card and a participating library collection | Current listing states iPadOS 10 or later; check the device listing. |
| VLC local media | Yes, for content stored locally | Playable media files on the iPad or an accessible network stream | Current listing states iPadOS 9 or later; playback performance varies. |
| Spotify free streaming | Not as a free-tier feature in the listing | Internet access for streaming | Check the App Store listing on the device. |
| Safari or another browser | Generally needs internet for web services | A working browser and a site that supports the device | Chart inclusion does not establish compatibility for a specific old iPad. |
| E-reader app | Depends on the app and downloaded books | An account or access to the relevant book service | Confirm present availability and requirements on the iPad. |
| Video, creative, or second-screen use | Depends on the app and task | May require an account, subscription, or compatible Mac | Check app and device requirements; compatibility is not universal. |
Make reading more comfortable
If the iPad’s screen feels too glossy for long reading sessions, a matte or paper-texture screen protector is an optional accessory to consider. Match it to the exact iPad model and generation; a protector made for another size or camera layout may not fit.
When keeping it makes sense
Keeping an older iPad is most practical when you give it a narrow job—such as library reading, playing files you already own, or acting as a reference screen—and the apps or services for that job still work. If the device cannot install an essential app or load the sites you rely on, a different use may be more realistic than expecting it to replace a current tablet.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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