Run the New iPhoto on Original iPad

Apple has a way of kicking owners of dated hardware to the curb when it comes to new software. I own an iPhone 4S and really enjoy the new iPhoto app Apple released last week. It really pissed me off to learn it wouldn't install on my original iPad (at least not the conventional way). If you own an original iPad (iPad 1?), there is a way to get iPhoto installed without jailbreaking your device. First, you need to spend 5 bucks and buy iPhoto from the App Store. Second, you need to download and install Apple's iPhone Configuration Utility 3.5. It's free and you can download it here. Next, with your iPad connected to your Mac via USB, run the utility. Your iPad should show up under "Devices" in the sidebar. Select your iPad then click the "Applications" tab. You'll see a list of all the apps installed on your iPad. Click the "Add" icon in the upper-left corner of the toolbar and browse to ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/Mobile Applications and select "iPhoto 1.0.ipa". iPhoto will then show up in the applications list with an "Install" button on the right. Just click the install button and wait for about 30 seconds while iPhoto installs. When finished, the "Install" button will change to read "Uninstall".

That's it. iPhoto runs fine on the original iPad. It looks like Apple just wants to keep us buying new hardware and withholds apps to give us the proper motivation.

Note: This may not be a good solution if you sync your iPad regularly. iTunes will force iPhoto's removal before it will allow your device to sync. I only sync my iPad every couple of weeks or so. When I do, I simply start the utility after I finish and click the "Install" button again.

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