I already have an iPad Air 2 and a 12.9 inch pro. I got this for my daughter so she can play games and watch Netflix on here. It came with 9.3.3 and oh my is this thing slow. Should I somehow look for a file to downgrade it or have I just forgotten how slow this machine is? Also, are there any tips to make it faster on iOS 9? Lol. Thanks in advance.
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I just bought my 4-year old daughter and iPad 2. I have a question.
- Thread starter Jacoblee23
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I think you've forgotten how slow it is. My wife and I are still using an iPad 2 and an iPad 3, both with 9.3.3. The iPad 3 is sluggish, but the 2 is really slow. It works, but is slow. It's on par with my work-provisioned iPad mini (the first one).
I will say that by the time iOS 10 comes out, both the Mini and the iPad 2 will not support it. As far as downgrading, I haven't heard anything on the signing window being closed for iOS 9.3.2, but it is just as slow. For the security issue, I'd say to stick with 9.3.3. It should work more than fine for your daughter's needs (we have these two for our son and daughter).
BL.
You are correct, they are pretty slow compared to what is available now. It is all Moore's fault, but thankfully it looks like the current technology is finally reaching a quantum breakpoint.
You just have to keep in mind that it was released back in early 2011. That is almost 5 and a half years, which in computer years is something like 82 years old. It is amazing the thing is even still working at all. I am sorry to type that there is nothing we can do to make it faster.
As someone who lives with one, I would firstly do a clean install, secondly make sure that background app refresh is turned off, turn off transparency, un-tick stuff from the spotlight search results and disable any auto downloads.
I would also from time to do 'reset all settings', seems to speed the thing up.
I would also from time to do 'reset all settings', seems to speed the thing up.
It'll still be useful for 2 years if you play your cards right. App support for iOS 9 will still be there for another year or two. Just follow the advice of oldmacs with regards to optimizing the iPad and your daughter will be set. After all, she doesn't have any reference on how fast an iPad should be. Netflix and learning games would suit your use-case scenario.
All good advice so far. I would only add to setup "guided access", in Settings > General > Accessibility.
Luckily it still plays Netflix fine, so once you get a video playing, you shouldn't have any issues until the video ends.
Thank you. Opening apps and switching menus is probably the most noticeably slow part about it.
[doublepost=1470416826][/doublepost]Typing a web address on the keyboard is brutal too.
[doublepost=1470416826][/doublepost]Typing a web address on the keyboard is brutal too.
Did you try the clean install? I find that on a clean install the iPad 2 is so much better, however it could be more of an issue with you being so used to the faster devices. My fastest device is my iPhone 5, so the iPad 2 while slow isn't absolutely hopeless.
The iPad was wiped clean when I got it. Since it's going to be her iPad I didn't restore from a backup and did a clean install. It's still a lag fest and so slow.
IMO Apple has really done a lousy job in optimizing for older devices. I can understand some things are processor or memory limited and newer systems are always going to be faster (such as launching apps, starting up etc.). However simple usability things like the typing lag and even just switching tabs in preferences there really is no excuse for.
For those who repeatedly mention "you forget how slow the iPad 2 was or how fast the newer ones are" I'm guessing haven't used iOS 6 on one recently. The difference in usability is staggering between the iOS 6 iPad 2 and a freshly installed 9.3x on an identical iPad 2. Even when you turn off many of the accessibility and type options there is a huge difference. (and I've tried every setting imaginable).
I do praise apple for "supporting" it for as long as they did with the current more secure versions, just wish they would have focused on some of the usability aspects much more.
Edit: Sorry forgot to put in - go to General->Keyboards and there are some options there that if you turn off will improve type lag "some".
For those who repeatedly mention "you forget how slow the iPad 2 was or how fast the newer ones are" I'm guessing haven't used iOS 6 on one recently. The difference in usability is staggering between the iOS 6 iPad 2 and a freshly installed 9.3x on an identical iPad 2. Even when you turn off many of the accessibility and type options there is a huge difference. (and I've tried every setting imaginable).
I do praise apple for "supporting" it for as long as they did with the current more secure versions, just wish they would have focused on some of the usability aspects much more.
Edit: Sorry forgot to put in - go to General->Keyboards and there are some options there that if you turn off will improve type lag "some".
Thanks for the reply. So if I were to find an older version of iOS online such as 6 or 7, would apple sign off onto it if I downloaded it on the iPad2 or am I wasting my time?
Not necessarily. in my daughter's kindergarten class, they are using chromebooks. If properly parental controlled, an iDevice would be really helpful for their education.
BL.