How to check which applications are still 32-bit on iPhone and iPad

As iOS 11 rolls out to the public today, 32-bit apps will not work in iOS 11. What does this mean for you? Well, it could mean nothing. You may not use any apps that are still 32-bit, meaning the developers have kept their apps updated to Apple's newest specs. If you're concerned that an app you love or use often may be affected and you want to make sure you know what you're getting into before downloading iOS 11, you can quickly check if the apps on your phone are 32-bit or not.

How to check which applications are still 32-bit on iPhone and iPad

The steps below will only work if you have iOS 10.3 installed.

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap General.

  1. Tap About.
  2. Tap Applications.

Here you will be given a list of the applications that are still 32-bit. These are the apps that aren't compatible with iOS 11.

NOTE: If you tap on Applications, and no list of apps shows up, it means you don't have any apps that are 32-bit.

What can I do if an app I love is 32-bit currently?

Unfortunately, not a whole lot. It's really up to the developers to maintain and update their apps, so there is nothing you can do directly to fix the issue.

That being said, look at the App Store description of the app and see when the last update was made available. If you notice an update hasn't been pushed in a fairly long time (a year or more let's say), it may be an indication that the developers have decided to stop supporting that particular app. Of course, nothing is for certain, but I would encourage you to pay attention to any news coming from the developers to see if they plan on addressing your concerns.

Which games won't work in iOS 11?

If you play a lot of games on your iPhone or iPad you're probably concerned that some of your favorite games may not work in iOS 11, and I don't blame you. As it stands right now, there are plenty of popular games that have not been updated to function in the newest iOS including games like Call of Duty: Zombies, Midway Arcade, LEGO Batman: DC Super Heroes, Blazing Star, and Doom Classic.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive list of games that won't work in iOS 11, you can head over to Modojo and see their list. Even though Modojo claims that list is every game that won't work, remember that they are hundreds of thousands of games on the App Store, it is entirely possible they have missed a few. Keep reading below to find out how to check if any game or app on your phone is still 32-bit!

Any other questions?

Let us know in the comments below.

Updated September 2017: Updated for the launch of iOS 11.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.