iPad 2 types of app updates

[cmac1979]

We have two iPads, both running iPadOS 15.5. On the newer one, all app updates are announced by (and download via) the App Store app. On the other, some are announced and downloading that way, but others (perhaps the majority) are announced by llittle cloud icons appearing before the app name on the desktop, and downloaded by clicking on the app icon on the desktop. The newer one identifies itself as iPad Air (6th) MR7G2LL/A, the older one as iPad Air 2 MGL12LL/A.

I prefer to get all updates via the App Store, because it involves less observing and clicking on icons. Is there any way to get our older iPad to act like our newer one?

Thanks,
Craig MacKenna

 

[rui no onna]

You probably have Offload Unused Apps enabled on the iPad where you see the cloud icons. You need to disable it.

 

[cmac1979]

Thank you. My older iPad has only 16 GB, and large downloads can be problematical for memory. I set the "Offload Unused" option because it made such downloads easier. I will now keep it off except whn a larghe download has problems.

 

[rui no onna]

Thank you. My older iPad has only 16 GB, and large downloads can be problematical for memory. I set the "Offload Unused" option because it made such downloads easier. I will now keep it off except whn a larghe download has problems.

Do note, Offload Unused Apps removes apps from your device when it’s running low on storage. That’s why you see the cloud icon. That means the app has been offloaded from the device. You’re not getting updates via the App Store because the app has been temporarily removed/offloaded from your device.

With 16GB, I expect you’ll run into storage problems sooner rather than later.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

With Offload Unused, updates aren’t an issue - if/when the app gets “re-downloaded” the current version will be downloaded. Until then, there’s no need to update.