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Apple is killing 32-bit support - download these classic iOS games now

We're in bits about it

Apple is killing 32-bit support - download these classic iOS games now
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iOS

Apple is reportedly set to drop support for 32-bit apps later this year with the launch of iOS 11.

This means that any game or app that wasn't at the very least optimised for the iPhone 5S (which launched on September 20, 2013) could be incompatible with Apple's mobile operating system from around September or October. Essentially, a bunch of classic iPhone and iPad games that haven't been updated in years could be lost forever.

With the App Store approaching 10 years old, there are a lot of older games that could fall into this category. Here is just a small selection that we're a little worried for.

Sword & Poker 2
Last updated: 27 May 2010 - download

Some might suggest that I only agreed to take this feature on because it would give me another chance to talk about Sword & Poker 2. I view such a suggestion as an insult to my character, and also perilously close to the truth.

Look, just play Sword & Poker 2. It's brilliant. Unfortunately, it's also old and forgotten, and developer Gaia went out of business years ago. I'm not hopeful for its chances of survival in Apple's 64-bit future.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene
Last updated: 24 July 2013 - download

There have been some awesome shooters on iOS over the past few years. Which makes it all the more impressive that one of the very finest is around eight years old.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene modernises and improbably improves upon one of the most iconic videogames ever made, with beautiful visuals and a metronomic electronica soundtrack. Don't let this one slide, Taito.

MiniSquadron
Last updated: 12 February 2013 - download

There's something heart-warming to see Supermono's MiniSquadron still flying along on the App Store - like an old bi-plane elegantly swooping over a modern air show.

This is a wonderfully tactile arena shooter with spot-on flight physics and dozens of varied fighter planes to unlock. What I wouldn't give for an HD update...

World of Goo
Last updated: 19 August 2013 - download

World of Goo on iOS might date back to 2010, but I'm actually pretty hopeful that developer 2D Boy won't let it slip into non-functionality. That's because it's still actively releasing the game on new formats (most recently on Switch).

It's a good thing too, as this remains a brilliant physics puzzler with a memorable tone that's simultaneously cute, melancholic, and epic.

Trainyard
Last updated: 1 Sep, 2011 - download

The last time Trainyard was updated, the iPhone 4S was still a good month away from release. Despite it looking slightly squashed on modern iOS devices, though, it continues to feel fresh.

You can thank its strong, crisp, minimalistic aesthetic for that - not to mention its clever colour-matching puzzler gameplay. Snap it up quick, if you haven't already.

Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.