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Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies on iPad Air (1st gen)

iPad Air (1st gen) · 2013 · A7 · Max iOS 12  |  Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies requires iOS 16+

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Not compatible

Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies requires iOS 16. Your iPad Air (1st gen) maxes out at iOS 12 — a 4-version gap. Native install isn't possible, but the Safari PWA and alternatives below may help.

📱 iPad Air (1st gen)

Released: 2013
Chip: A7
Max iOS: iOS 12

All iOS 12 apps →

📦 Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies

Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies

Min iOS: iOS 16
Price: Free
Rating: ⭐ 4.5 (21,749)

🍎 Download on App Store

Method 1: Install the Last Compatible Version

Apple's App Store has a hidden feature: if you've ever downloaded an app on any device with the same Apple ID, you can install the last version that supported your iOS.

  1. On a current iOS 16+ device (friend's phone, family iPad), download Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies using the same Apple ID.
  2. On your iPad Air (1st gen), open the App Store → tap your profile picture → Purchased.
  3. Search for Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies. Tap the cloud icon.
  4. iOS asks: "This app requires iOS 16. Download last compatible version?" — tap Download.

✅ This works for most major apps as long as you've previously installed them with this Apple ID. The older version connects to the same servers — your account and content remain accessible.

Method 2: Use Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies via Safari (PWA)

Many apps have a full web version accessible via Safari. Open Safari on your iPad Air (1st gen), go to the app's website, sign in, then tap Share → Add to Home Screen. This gives you a home screen icon that opens the web app in full-screen mode — no download required.

Looking to Upgrade? The Cheapest Path Forward

Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies needs iOS 16, but your iPad Air (1st gen) maxes at iOS 12. Here are the most affordable iPhone models that support it:

iPhone 8 — Released 2017 (A11)

Supports iOS 16 · Estimated refurb: £130–170

Check eBay
iPhone X — Released 2017 (A11)

Supports iOS 16 · Estimated refurb: £160–200

Check eBay
iPhone XS — Released 2018 (A12)

Supports iOS 26 · Estimated refurb: £180–220

Check eBay

💡 Buying refurbished? Look for devices marked "Excellent condition" with 90-day warranty. Most iPhone 8 models in good condition run reliably for 2–3+ more years.

Apps Like Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies That Work on iPad Air (1st gen)

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Apple Podcasts
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Learn more → Moji Maker™ | Emoji & Avatar
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Learn more → Pocket Whip: Original Whip App
Pocket Whip: Original Whip App Free · iOS 12+ · ⭐ 4.8 (6,426)
Learn more →

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