For a visual walkthrough of the jailbreak and file editing process:
It depends on your priorities. iOS 6.1.3 is significantly faster but has terrible app support. iOS 8.4.1 offers a solid middle ground: it is much faster than 9.3.5, still has a decent selection of apps that work, and can be fully jailbroken. For most users looking for a usable daily driver, iOS 8.4.1 is the recommended choice .
The most popular methods involve "tricking" the iPad into thinking it is running an even older version, such as iOS 6.0, which prompts the Apple servers to offer iOS 8.4.1 as the next logical upgrade. Prerequisites : This works for the (except the iPad 2,4 model), iPhone 4S, and iPad mini 1. downgrade ipad 2 ios 9.3.5 to 8.4.1
: Once finished, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to ensure a clean slate and avoid "quasi-jailbroken" errors. Option 2: Legacy-iOS-Kit (Recommended/Cleanest)
Apple’s iOS 9.3.5 was the last official firmware for the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPhone 4s. However, on the aging A5 chip (256MB–512MB RAM), iOS 9 introduces lag, app reloads, and UI stutter. iOS 8.4.1, while still not as fast as iOS 6 or 7, offers substantially better performance and retains compatibility with legacy 32-bit apps. Crucially, Apple continues to (as of 2023) sign iOS 8.4.1 for OTA updates from intermediate iOS versions, but not for full iTunes restores. For a visual walkthrough of the jailbreak and
Here's a high-level overview to help you decide which approach is right for you.
You can download any app you have previously purchased. For new apps, if the developer's latest version requires a newer OS, the App Store will offer you an older, compatible version of that app if it's available. However, many new apps require iOS 10 or later and will not be available to you. For most users looking for a usable daily driver, iOS 8
4.3 Verification After booting:
: Your iPad must be jailbroken on iOS 9.3.5 first to modify system files. Method 1: The "No Computer" Plist Hack
Q: Can I upgrade to iOS 9.3.5 again after downgrading to 8.4.1? A: Yes, you can upgrade to iOS 9.3.5 again using iTunes or the app.
Confirm the action. Your iPad 2 will reboot into a clean, smooth, optimized installation of iOS 8.4.1. Method 2: Downgrading via Legacy iOS Kit (Advanced)