← AppCompat

Seek by iNaturalist on iPad Air (1st gen)

iPad Air (1st gen) · 2013 · A7 · Max iOS 12  |  Seek by iNaturalist requires iOS 15+

❌
Not compatible

Seek by iNaturalist requires iOS 15. Your iPad Air (1st gen) maxes out at iOS 12 — a 3-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 →

📦 Seek by iNaturalist

Seek by iNaturalist

Min iOS: iOS 15
Price: Free
Rating: ⭐ 4.7 (3,677)

🍎 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 Seek by iNaturalist using the same Apple ID.
  2. On your iPad Air (1st gen), open the App Store → tap your profile picture → Purchased.
  3. Search for Seek by iNaturalist. Tap the cloud icon.
  4. iOS asks: "This app requires iOS 15. 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 Seek by iNaturalist 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

Seek by iNaturalist needs iOS 15, but your iPad Air (1st gen) maxes at iOS 12. Here are the most affordable iPhone models that support it:

iPhone 6s — Released 2015 (A9)

Supports iOS 15 · Estimated refurb: £80–120

Check eBay
iPhone 7 — Released 2016 (A10)

Supports iOS 15 · Estimated refurb: £100–140

Check eBay
iPhone 8 — Released 2017 (A11)

Supports iOS 16 · Estimated refurb: £130–170

Check eBay

💡 Buying refurbished? Look for devices marked "Excellent condition" with 90-day warranty. Most iPhone 6s models in good condition run reliably for 2–3+ more years.

Apps Like Seek by iNaturalist That Work on iPad Air (1st gen)

These education apps are confirmed to work on iOS 12:

KidloLand Kids Toddler Games
KidloLand Kids Toddler Games Free · iOS 12+ · ⭐ 4.2 (40,971)
Learn more → Farm Animal Games for Children
Farm Animal Games for Children Free · iOS 12+ · ⭐ 4.2 (40,638)
Learn more → Colouring Games for Kids Baby
Colouring Games for Kids Baby Free · iOS 12+ · ⭐ 4.3 (33,053)
Learn more → Epic - Kids' Books & Reading
Epic - Kids' Books & Reading Free · iOS 12+ · ⭐ 4.6 (14,873)
Learn more →

Check all apps for iPad Air (1st gen)

See everything confirmed to work on iOS 12 — filtered by category, price, and rating.

Browse iOS 12 apps →