iA Writer Classic was launched in 2010 and was under active development until 2016. At time of its retirement (from development and sale) the app was tested for full compatibility with the iOS 10 operating system and iOS hardware current to 2016.
Since 2016 there have been many changes to iOS and the frameworks under which the app was originally developed. The app predates the iOS Files app which was not introduced until 2017. As with all apps outside of active development, these changes can (and will eventually) introduce issues that impair the functionality of the app. The risk of this increases with every iPadOS update.
Users on iPads running iOS 10 or higher may encounter issues using iA Writer Classic or observe the notification below when attempting to launch the app.
You may also encounter this messaging when attempting to use the app on devices restored from iCloud or iTunes backups.
This system messaging indicates that the current hardware and/or OS of the device you are using is no longer compatible with the legacy app.
Some users may be able to restore functionality by following the steps listed below. Failure to follow the steps before attempting to restore the app will result in data loss!
Backing Up or Extracting Files
Local (on device)
iA Writer Classic supports transfer of locally stored documents via iTunes File Sharing protocol.
To extract files:
- Connect your device to a computer running iTunes*.
- Click on the device and then ‘File Sharing’ to access the apps on your device.
- Choose iA Writer and then select which files to transfer to your computer.
*If you are using macOS Catalina or newer, then your device will show up in the Finder and you can simply drag and drop the files from the device to another location on your computer.
iCloud Drive is enabled for iA Writer
- Log in at icloud.com. (Using a desktop browser)
- Navigate to
iCloud Drive → iA Writer Classic - Select and download files
Steps to restore functionality (iOS 10 or lower)
For compatible devices, reinstalling the app from the App Store should restore functionality.
Before Uninstalling
- Launch App Store → Account → Purchased
- Verify iA Writer Classic is listed in purchase history
- Proceed to backup/extract documents following instructions here
Reinstalling
Once you have backed up your documents, you can then delete the app from your device and reinstall it from the App Store ‘Purchased‘ section. You’ll need to be logged in with the same Apple ID and in the same country/region as at time of the original purchase.
Going Forward
iA Writer Classic is no longer supported nor updated. At some point (if not already for some) it will become incompatible with new OS versions and/or newer Apple hardware.
We strongly recommend existing users enable iCloud for iA Writer Classic or backup locally stored documents frequently and certainly before attempting any iOS updates!
Our latest app, iA Writer is currently available for sale and fully supported.
Writer Classic