StickySupported iOS versions for Gospel Library

Availability of Church content is a priority for those who support the Gospel Library app. Unfortunately, as mobile ecosystems change, it's impossible to continually improve the app while supporting older devices indefinitely.

Only the newest versions of Gospel Library will continue to receive the newest content (new general conferences, magazines, devotionals, curriculum, editions of the scriptures, etc.). The content format used by the app changes with major app releases to support new features. As an analogy, you can think of this as switching content from PowerPoint files to Word files. The new format allows us to do more, but is not compatible with the old app. For a little while, as users transition from the old version of the app to the new, the content team produces both (continuing the analogy) a PowerPoint and a Word file of each content item, but eventually, the old file type is phased out to focus resources on providing more and better content in the new format.

In addition to content format changes, sometimes changes are made on the Church servers that prevent older devices from establishing a connection. For example, recently the Church servers were updated to newer security protocols (http:// to https://, TLS 1.2). Older versions of Android and iOS don't support the latest security standards, so they are no longer able to authenticate with the Church's servers for sign-in, annotation sync, or role-based content. The Church is a continual target for those who want to do harm, so keeping security standards up to date, while it provides inconvenience at times, protects the Church and its members.

If your device doesn't support the newest Gospel Library, don't feel obligated to buy a new device. The Church doesn't require members to use the newest technology to study the gospel – Gospel Library is provided as a tool for those who are able to benefit from it. If you are on an older device, you can access the newest content by browsing LDS.org, by downloading PDFs to your device, or using an e-book reader. If you don't have a smart device at all, the Church continues to provide scriptures and other core content in print format. We know that transitions are difficult and we hope that you will be able to continue growing in faith through consistent gospel study, no matter your circumstance.

If you are considering purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to use Gospel Library or other Church apps, check the iOS version. I wouldn't recommend any iOS version below iOS 12. iOS 11 is the minimum supported iOS version for most Church apps, and any device that supports iOS 11 is able to update to iOS 12. Newer devices will almost always provide a smoother experience and will last farther into the future.

For historical reference, these are the iOS versions where support has changed:

• If you're on iOS 3 and up, your device will run Gospel Library 2.0.3. (No longer available, and not receiving content updates.)
• If you're on iOS 3.1.3 and up, your device will run Gospel Library 2.5.0. (No longer available, and not receiving content updates.)
• If you're on iOS 6.1 and up, your device will run Gospel Library 3.4.13. (No longer receiving content updates.)
• If you're on iOS 9 and up, your device will run Gospel Library 4.4.0. (No longer receiving content updates after March 2019.)
• If you're on iOS 10 and up, your device will run Gospel Library 5.1.1. (Content updates will continue for the foreseeable future.)
• If you're on iOS 11 and up, your device will run the latest version of Gospel Library. (Content updates will continue for the foreseeable future.)

how can I download Gospel Library version 4.4.0 ?

jokendean wrote:how can I download Gospel Library version 4.4.0 ?

The iOS App Store keeps track of any apps you install with your Apple ID. If you've installed Gospel Library in the past (on any device), you can find it in the "Purchased" tab of the App Store. From there, you can download the most recent version of the app that's compatible with your device. Unfortunately, if you've never installed the app before on any of your devices, it won't show up on the list. As a workaround, if you have a newer device and an older device, if you install the app on the newer device, it will become available in the Purchased list on the older device.

Does anyone know how to access developer mode for the library app on iPhone?

JonathanCello wrote:Does anyone know how to access developer mode for the library app on iPhone?

The developer mode is not available for the Gospel Library except by the development team programmers at church headquarters.

So we have 3 grandchildren who own ipad's with ios 9.3.5. Now they won't be able to get updated info on the Gospel Library unless they all buy new ipads? Do the general authorities know this. It appears you have taken a most valuable resource away from those who can't afford to upgrade their ipads? This isn't a local issue, it's worldwide.

I believe that general authorities know this if they don't already. I can't believe they would exclude members from a rich and valuable resource.

Thanks.

geysser wrote:Do the general authorities know this. It appears you have taken a most valuable resource away from those who can't afford to upgrade their ipads? This isn't a local issue, it's worldwide.

This isn't really the church's decision.

• Apple chose to stop issuing iOS updates for those model iPads.
• Apple has update polices that lock-in the application for those older units and prevents updates.

Once the church has need to update the app, in part to change servers and in part to secure the Church Account login (standards do change), these older devices are left behind.

It's really not the church's choice. If you want to run on Apple's platform, you play by Apple's rules.

Thank you sincerely sbradshaw for the explanation regarding the AppStore keeping track of previously purchased apps; I was able to download the most recent, compatible version and saved a lot of grief.

Excellent answers. Thank you very much for taking the time to post them.

For those with old devices, here is the URL (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/med ... s?lang=eng) for the Church website with materials in formats that will still work for you, for example:

1. PDF
2. ePub (Instructions on how to read ePub files can be found here: https://www.wikihow.com/Open-EPUB-Files)
3. Kindle/MOBI


Printed scriptures. Since 1454 or 1455. End of support date: never.
Gutenberg!

I deleted the older version of GL thinking that might be the problem my older iPad was experiencing while trying to update. Funny thing about it, as I deleted it, I actually thought I might not be able to get it back.

Is there a place where I can download an older version of GL or is it gone for good?

Skiflorida wrote:I deleted the older version of GL thinking that might be the problem my older iPad was experiencing while trying to update. Funny thing about it, as I deleted it, I actually thought I might not be able to get it back.

Is there a place where I can download an older version of GL or is it gone for good?

Did you check under the Purchased tab in the App Store?

sbradshaw wrote:

Skiflorida wrote:I deleted the older version of GL thinking that might be the problem my older iPad was experiencing while trying to update. Funny thing about it, as I deleted it, I actually thought I might not be able to get it back.

Is there a place where I can download an older version of GL or is it gone for good?

Did you check under the Purchased tab in the App Store?

I am in the same boat. Under the purchased tab when you attempt to install it just says "Gospel Library is not compatible with this iPad". How can we get the older versions installed, maybe using a sync via iTunes or some other alternative way? Anyone know how?

russellhltn wrote:

geysser wrote:Do the general authorities know this. It appears you have taken a most valuable resource away from those who can't afford to upgrade their ipads? This isn't a local issue, it's worldwide.

This isn't really the church's decision.

• Apple chose to stop issuing iOS updates for those model iPads.
• Apple has update polices that lock-in the application for those older units and prevents updates.

Once the church has need to update the app, in part to change servers and in part to secure the Church Account login (standards do change), these older devices are left behind.

It's really not the church's choice. If you want to run on Apple's platform, you play by Apple's rules.

Thanks for pointing this out. However it does seem to be partly the Church's choice of SDK. I have not had this issue with any other app. I use for example the Bible app by YouVersion, which has had several updates, or the virtual New Testament app from BYU. I have lots of apps that have similar features to the Gospel Library but function fine on my device. So it appears there would be a means to use a kit or a set of libraries that still work across many iOS versions.
If this is the case I would suggest the developers consider using a different SDK, or stick with the older version of the SDK, or any number of other solutions. As pointed out, this affects Saints worldwide; I don't get a new device because I don't want to, but there are many in the world who simply can't.

bradlywilson wrote:I have not had this issue with any other app. I use for example the Bible app by YouVersion, which has had several updates, or the virtual New Testament app from BYU. I have lots of apps that have similar features to the Gospel Library but function fine on my device.

But they don't log into into your Church Account. Part of the issue is maintaining security for that account.

Without the Church Account, any notes taken will disappear when the device fails or is replaced.

The bottom line is that this is a user-to-user forum. We have no say in what the church decides to do. I've been told in the past that the product managers are aware of how many users are on older devices.

My iPad is on iOS version 10.3.3 and cannot go any higher. The have Gospel Library version 5.1.1. I am unable to get it to login and sync with my lds account. Is the iOS version the reason?
Thank you,
Lance

lproff wrote:My iPad is on iOS version 10.3.3 and cannot go any higher. The have Gospel Library version 5.1.1. I am unable to get it to login and sync with my lds account. Is the iOS version the reason?
Thank you,
Lance

There were some server changes recently. Are you able to sign in and sync now?

Thank you. Yes, I am able to sign in now.

I have a member that is running 9.x.x and l have installed an older version of Gospel Library on his device, and l can download everything. Although, l'm puzzled why l can only download General Conference talks from 2016. Nothing from 2017 or 2018 is pulling down. Any thoughts?

Older versions of Gospel Library do not receive content updates. I believe it has to do with changes in the way content is made available and other security issues.

dappleton09 wrote:I have a member that is running 9.x.x and l have installed an older version of Gospel Library on his device, and l can download everything. Although, l'm puzzled why l can only download General Conference talks from 2016. Nothing from 2017 or 2018 is pulling down. Any thoughts?

See Supported iOS versions for Gospel Library. That verson of GL stopped receiving content updates on March 2019.

Not sure why that affects 2017 and 2018 Conference talks unless there was a content update that caused them to be pulled and not replaced.

I just purchased an iPad 7 and when I downloaded the gospel library app it only provides the initial screen but nothing else. iOS is 13.3.1
Any way to make this work?

searleml, are you still looking for a solution? If so, could you describe the problem in more detail?

How can I download 3.4.13?

I let my Ipad update to IPadOS 13.3.1 (which I am always reluctant to do because of this very scenario) and now I cannot get the LDS Library to work. I have deleted it a dozen times and re-installed. Re-booted the Ipad several times. It still wont work. ANy suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Option 1:
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage > Library.
Tap "Offload App."
Reinstall Library, open Settings, sign into your Church account, wait for the App to sync.

If that fails try this, but be warned that if your Library app was not previously synced to your Church account, you might lose all of your notes and things. If you were properly synced, I think that you'll get all your data back, but I'm not totally sure, so there is some risk involved. Maybe someone else can comment on this.
Option 2:
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage > Library.
Tap "Delete App."
Reinstall Library, open Settings, sign into your Church account, wait for the App to sync.

I cannot download the gist le library on my iPad iOS 10.2.4. Pls what should I do ?

amoako wrote:I cannot download the gist le library on my iPad iOS 10.2.4. Pls what should I do ?

The current version of Gospel Library is not compatible with your old iOS. To download an older version of Gospel Library onto your old iPad, you could try some of the suggestions listed on this other thread: viewtopic.php?t=32230
It's a pretty old thread, so I don't know whether it is still possible to do this. Probably worth a try, though.

First, you'll want to update your iPad as much as possible. You should be able to updates yours to iOS 10.3.4. I'm guessing that you have a 4th Generation iPad. Apple stopped supporting this model in September 2017, so it is no longer receiving security updates. That being the case, you wouldn't want to use it for anything that requires privacy or security (banking, shopping with a credit card, etc.). Unfortunately, both Apple and Android devices only get supported by their manufacturers for a limited time.

For a list of iPads with support status and final supported iOS, see this Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad
If you decide to buy a used iPad, you'll want to check this list and be sure that you get one with lots of years of support ahead of it. New iPads start at about $320.

Of course, you can always access Church resources through the website using an Internet browser on your old iPad. In addition, in an earlier post on this thread, I listed some other alternatives, though they are not as convenient as Gospel Library.

Good luck!