Is there a way to support 32-bit iOS devices with new app store submissions?

Question

Created Apr ’23

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I write an app that lets people repurpose old iPhones and iPads as digital signs. I've supported iOS 9 up to this point (and according to analytics about 6-7% of my users are on iOS 9). With the new requirement that all app updates submitted to the store have to be built in Xcode 14, and Xcode 14 dropping support for 32-bit builds, it looks like while I can still target iOS 9 , I can't create a build compatible with older 32-bit devices (e.g. the iPad 2). My questions are:

1 - am I missing something here, or is Apple really not allowing my app updates to support 32-bit devices?

2 - if I do release a 64-bit only build to the store, will people on 32-bit devices be able to download an older version of my app (if they don't already have it installed)?

I did try contacting Apple developer support, but just got a generic response so I'm kind of at a loss here

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Answer 1

endecotp OP

Apr ’23

1 - am I missing something here, or is Apple really not allowing my app updates to support 32-bit devices?

I thought this became impossible a long time ago.

2 - if I do release a 64-bit only build to the store, will people on 32-bit devices be able to download an older version of my app (if they don't already have it installed)?

Does the App Store app function at all on an iPad 2? If it does, they may be able to install the most recent supported version if they have previously purchased it, but not make new purchases. It may be that, for example, they can purchase the app on a new iPhone and then install it on the old device.

I suggest that you try installing some other well-known apps on an iPad 2 and see what happens. I have some old devices and the main thing that has stopped them being useful is expired root TLS certificates.

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Answer 2

Manuel_Apps OP

May ’23

Also interested in knowing if there's a solution for this. I'm facing the same issue with my App purposing old iPads to use them as Digital Photo Frames.

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