iPad mini Use for an iPad Mini 2 in 2025?

[eddjedi]

I used to use my iPad Mini 2 exclusively for streaming, but I've just turned it on for the first time in a year or so and was saddened to find that Netflix, iPlayer etc all no longer work. I knew that the older versions were no longer available from the app store, but until recenty if you still had the old apps, they would still work. No more it seems, Netflix reports a "network error" and iPlayer forces an update that's not compatible.

It feels like a shame as this this is still in perfect condition, the battery lasts weeks, and iOS 12 still feels zippy (and a little nostalgic!) So is there anything useful I can do on this now except email and web browsing?

 

[geta]

E-reader or frisbee.

 

[Digitalguy]

I use mine almost daily as a music player (with a bluetooth speaker) with 32bits app (I left it on iOS 10 so that I could continue using and playing 32bits apps and games I purchased before iOS 11). Still fast with those old apps. Battery drain is minimal on iOS 10. Can also be a decent ereader (but I also have the mini 5 for that and for safari).

 

[smooth0906]

I use mine as a Kindle book reader. I also have two apps that still work where I can see the weather temperature, humidity level, and windspeed. The apps also tells me if it's sunny, rainy, or snowing. One app has a darker view where I can use it as a night readout of the above functions without the light disturbing my sleep. I purchased an iPad Mini 7 earlier this month and I use it to mirror Tubi and other apps to my television. I love it.

 

[shotts56]

I have one too, its an e-reader now and pretty much nothing else. Even then it is glacially slow at syncing iBooks, if you do any reading on other devices.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

There's all these rumors of this HomePod with Mini-like screen impending. You basically have a screen already on hand. You could get a powered speaker or two and create your own version of that product and use it like that. There's even cheap mounting brackets for walls & tabletops on Amazon for around $20.

 

[eddjedi]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I found a post on Reddit that explained how to get around the "install older version" loop you get stuck in, you need to delete the apps first and then reinstall. So after doing that Netflix, Youtube and Channel 4 all work again. It doesn't work for all apps, BBC iPlayer and ITVX for example aren't supported any more, but at least I've got a few streaming services working so it serves some purpose again.

 

[MiamiBeach]

Gave one I had collecting dust in the drawer to the in-laws the other day. They are very happy with it and use it for reading the news and general browsing in safari.

Sure, it is far from the latest model but they were thrilled to finally be able to surf the net and not have to strain their eyes looking at their phones.