Facebook, being a massive platform with constant security updates, eventually followed suit. Today, the standard Facebook app on the App Store requires iOS 13 or later. For a device stuck on iOS 12.5.5, the gap is too wide to bridge with a simple update. There is only one legitimate, safe, and "official" way to download an old version of Facebook on iOS 12.5.5. This relies on Apple’s policy of allowing users to download the "last compatible version" of an app they have previously owned.
However, in 2019, Apple released iOS 13. This update dropped support for devices with 1GB of RAM or less (specifically the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6). Consequently, app developers began optimizing their software strictly for the iOS 13 SDK (Software Development Kit).
In the fast-paced world of technology, two years is a lifetime. For those holding onto reliable older devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or the original iPad Air, the reality of “forced obsolescence” is a daily frustration. If you are running iOS 12.5.5—the final software update available for these devices—you have likely encountered the dreaded popup when trying to download Facebook: "This application requires iOS 13.0 or later."
This leaves millions of users searching for a . Whether you accidentally deleted the app, are trying to set up a "new" used device, or simply want to reclaim your social media access, this guide covers everything you need to know about running Facebook on legacy Apple hardware. The Core Problem: The 64-Bit Divide and iOS 13 To understand why finding an older version of Facebook is difficult, it helps to understand the technical shift that occurred. For years, apps supported both 32-bit and 64-bit processors. However, with the release of iOS 11, Apple dropped 32-bit support entirely. This initially seemed like good news for iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 users, as those phones were 64-bit compatible.
