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Important! Dropping Support for Old Devices

As time advances, so does technology. We’d love to be able to support everyone’s device, giving access to God’s Word on every phone, tablet, and computer out there. But the truth is, managing that type of wide-spread usage would hinder us from bettering our app. So, in order to keep growing, we have dropped support for the following devices and platforms:

Dropping Support For:

  • Kindle Fire, 2011 (1st Gen)
  • Kindle Fire, 2012 (2nd Gen)
  • Kindle Fire HD, 2012 (2nd Gen)
  • Kindle Fire HD 8.9, 2012 (2.5th Gen)
  • Android devices using Ice Cream Sandwich or older (Android OS 4.0.4 or earlier)
  • PC 6.1.1 App (Bible Study 6)

What Does This Mean for Me?

Dropping support means:

  • You will not lose any books, resources, notes, highlights, or purchases.
  • The app you are using will no longer receive bug fixes or feature improvements.
  • New titles and resources may not work in your unsupported app.
  • Our Support team may ask you to update before troubleshooting issues.

If you are on Windows 10, you can update to the new Olive Tree Bible App for FREE through the Microsoft Store. Once you have the new app, you will need to login to your account to download your purchased books.

Once again, we want to thank all of our users for your support and dedication to our app! If you have any questions about this information, please email us at support@olivetree.com. We hope to continue to provide you with the best resources at the best price, inspiring you in your pursuit of knowing God more.

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50 Comments

  1. Valarie Rogers

    Maybe you need to get out of the technology business, because that’s exactly what it is. Wide-spread use of versions. With the cost of everything on the rise and paychecks going down, who can keep up with all the latest and greatest? You knocked me out when you stopped allowing even LOGGING IN with Windows 7, which I am required to keep for my job, and why can’t we even log in? Lots of apps out there stop updating and supporting, but they don’t prevent you from logging in to an existing account.

    Yeah, I have a phone, and I have a Kindle, and neither are as easy to read and get around on as a computer, and the way you do things, both will be obsolete before anyone else thinks they’re obsolete. The only reason I haven’t deleted your app already is because I’ve already sunk way too much money into your app, so I’m tied to it. I should have just gone to Lifeway and bought the book version of study aids. I like your app, I really do, but you try to force everyone to keep up with the latest and greatest and it’s just getting harder and harder.

    • Cierra Klatt

      Hey, Valarie! I’m glad you know that you’re able to reach out to us and share your thoughts. I’m sorry that this is frustrating to you. If you email support@olivetree.com, our staff can look into what devices are working/not working for you, and give you more insight into our decisions.

  2. Connie Mellette

    I agree with above comment! Have bought several of your books, etc. Would love to get more for self and grandchildren. But now am afraid to buy any more of them for fear of not being able to use them the future…..

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  3. Jonathan Shorten

    I struggle to understand the logic here, the last few updates have made the app less useful & now you want to exclude users to produce more updates. Have you ever heard the adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  4. Bob

    Is this going to happen also to the older iOS devices ? I invested quite some money in the app. If so, have to stop buying,…
    Can you let me know ?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  5. Katie

    I have a third-generation Kindle Fire. Two questions:
    a) will the app still work on my device?
    b) can I still access my things on a Windows 7 desktop?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  6. Laurence Edgar

    Oh this is terrible news, I use Olivetree on my Kindle Fire and on Android Phone and I chose Olive Tree above Logos and Word. Kindle and Phone would be my main devices for reading and studying. I only subscribed to Olive Tree this year and have purchased some books and commentaries running into hundreds of pounds. If I am no longer able to read the books on my devices obviously they become obsolete to me as I am no longer able to access them. Am I entitled to a refund for all I have purchased.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  7. Jimmy Jones

    You are sorry, I am disappointed and have invested a substantial amount of time and money. I have the app on my computer, cell phone, and 3 tablets two of which are now obsolete. I do not have the money to buy new phones and tablets each time a new version hits the market. I will be seeking new software that does not force me to have the latest and greats devices available. I have recommended your app to many people to whom I will have to apologize and say I’m sorry which is hollow and dose nothing to recover the money spent on Olive Tree software. I hope the money I have spent will help you in your endeavor to spread the gospel.

    • Bob

      OliveTree doesn’t force any of us to have the latest and greatest. They still support the iPad 4 from 2012. Hardly the latest and greatest, and no, I don’t work for OT.

      Should I be upset that Apple doesn’t still support new OS updates on my 10 year old MacBook? I spent a lot of money on it too, in 2007.

      • Peg

        The reason why apple doesn’t support new os updates on older hardware is because they sell hardware. They give you the OS for free. Reason why you can still install windows 10 on very old machines.

        Now olive tree doesn’t sell hardware…….. They sell software, so this shouldn’t be an issue to people that have invested a lot of money on them. Why not keep an older version that works with older hardware….. Go figure!

        • Cierra Klatt

          A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  8. Dan Lemley

    Love your app. If I buy a new device will I be able to download my resources to work on the new device?

    • Bob

      Yes. When download OT on your new device you can sign into your account and redownload your resources.

    • Peg

      Yep.. All your stuff (books, resources) are tied to your account. So you just need to login and download from with in the application.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  9. Ardelle Mason

    Not happy. I already have trouble at times opening the app – too slow. I also don’t jump on the bandwagon of new devices, and have already invested too much in Olive Tree products. Again, not happy, and won’t be able to buy .ore books for the app!

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  10. sharon

    This is very disapointing, especially not even being able to open the bible to read it on my Kindle or Android tablet or phone. I like to read my bible while waiting for appointments or riding in the car. You shouldn’t shut out those who can’t afford to continually upgrade to new devices when there isn’t anything wrong with the device you have – where is the responsible stewardship in that?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  11. Frank Hamilton

    I too agree with some of the comments I have read. I love the App but by limiting access to only updated equipment and versions has caused me to apply the brakes on buying any further resources from you. I don’t even know why I say “buying” since it appears I really don’t own the books I’ve paid for. I could be denied access to them for any number of reasons. At least with actual books, they are mine, and I can pass them on to others or at least bequeath them when I pass on. However, with this account system I can’t do that as it is most like a rental or leasing system. Too bad; such an enjoyable, useful App.
    Frank Hamilton

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  12. Dave Bosley

    Wow, I wonder how many customers you have that use older devices? This is a bad business decision. I have to join those here in saying that I am no longer purchasing from Olive Tree nor recommending your applications.

    I think you are making a big mistake and should re-think your decision. I think you are excluding a lot of your older customers and many of the infirmed who use the older devices due to financial restrictions.

    I will now focus on using E-Sword and my Kindle.

    Dave Bosley

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  13. Joel Lantz

    My present Android devices all use newer versions than Android 4.04, but I’m still disappointed in this decision for the sake of others. Seems that you could make earlier versions of the software available to people with earlier-version devices (as you once offered me sometime back when I still had an Android 2.3 phone.) Does the phrase “It’s a business decision” (meaning “It’s in our self-interest”) apply appropriately to a company that serves the Christian community?

    Obviously the line needs to be drawn somewhere. I don’t expect Microsoft and software merchants to support Windows 3.1 or 95, for example. And I no longer expect Olive Tree to support my Palm Pilot devices. But the Kindle Fire is not all that old. In fact I just bought a cheap Fire from Amazon for a student, last December ; I gathered at the time that it was an earlier version that they still sell (though I admittedly didn’t check the Android version). Neither is Android 4 all that old…though admittedly the time scale in technology is compressed. [Does it follow some reverse law of special relativity? :-)]

    Please reconsider making earlier, fully functional versions of your app available for people with earlier versions of Android…independent of your ongoing development of newer versions of your app. How expensive would that be for you? Surely you’ve archived an older version(s) that you could make available. No new development involved. Only slight mods to your Website to make an archived version available online. Yes, I realize that you might also need to provide special links to an older customer database, so that folks who cannot afford new equipment can access their content. Is that a big deal?

    I’ve invested big bucks in Olive Tree content and will be VERY disappointed if you one day deny me further access to that investment. And clearly that will be the PRESENT experience of some of your customers a few days hence.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  14. Dave

    Very disappointed in your decision. Like most above I have invested a lot of money in a biblical library I will no longer be able to use. I have recommended OT to many friends looking for the best Bible study app, each to which I now extend my apologies. Does anyone out there in the same situation have any suggestions for an app that will work on the older devices?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  15. Marcha Rushing

    I understand everyone’s negativity and I too have a Kindle 2012 but as an user of Bible software for about 25 years this isn’t uncommon. WORDsearch and Logos require purchase of their updated platforms. I lost access to a fortune worth of books when Logos canceled their Libronix platform. To purchase the new platform at that time was around $400. Since then they have allowed access to older libraries through their mobile app but I still lost many books. WORDsearch also sells their updates. Free access on mobile devices is available on purchased books. Someone mention Esword and its a great program, but needs internet to work. Check around before you trash olive tree. Oh I use Olive tree on IOS devices now.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  16. Bill Morgan

    How long do electronics last? The answer is variable but often depends most on its software. As an aside, the usual rant against using Apple is that it’s too expensive. However, my 8 year old Mac computers just got a new operating system this week; my iPhone, last week. Because Apple updates its devices with the latest security, I am not required to buy another company’s anti-virus and pay for its protection each year. With Android, most tablets and phones aren’t or cannot be upgraded except by buying the newest model. Windows computers are well-known for requiring security firms’ malware protection. In other words, I carefully watch my computer expenses and have determined that my total cost of ownership with Apple is now less than if I had owned competitors’ stuff. Probably I’ll need to buy new Apple things by 2019 or so because Apple will no longer support my then 10-year old computers. And, of course, then the new computers will do much better things than they do today, too. By contrast, if you are using a computer (phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) that is running Olive Tree quite well, you could simply stop connecting to the Internet in order to be safe from malware and continue using your stuff until it finally dies how many years from now. To use your computer devices without updates and more importantly, without malware protection, poses a danger to yourself and to everybody else who uses the Internet. So maybe Olive Tree is also forcing some users to become responsible smartphone/tablet/computer users, painful as buying new stuff may be? If so, thanks OT.

  17. Eric

    I’m not completely happy about this decision either. I have used OT since it was Bible+, by The Fedders on my Palm Pilot. I don’t expect OT to support 10 yo devices but you will be discontinuing support on 2 devices that I currently run your software on, and they are 5 & 6-7 years ond, bad form. I ha e spent a mint on books for your system including almost every translation of the Bible, several commentaries, maps, dictionaries, etc. This decision makes me unhappy. Bad decision for a company that touts it’s desire to get the word of God in lots of people’s hands.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  18. P lawrence

    I am trying to understand we won’t be able to get the bible on my samsung Galaxy S6 version 7.0

    • Joe C

      The devices that are being dropped from support are 5-6 years old with outdated operating systems that aren’t receiving security patches or fixes in many, many years.

      You said your Galaxy S6 is on version 7.0 – what’s being dropped are 4.0.4 and earlier devices.

      You’ll still be able to use Olive Tree Bible software on your phone for years to come.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  19. Robert Floyd

    Correct me if I’m wrong, but, if people download all their OT content to their soon to be unsupported devices, they’ll still be able to use the app and access all their content, right? If that’s the case, the post should have made that clear from the top, to avoid unnecessary panic.

    If that’s not the case, people have a legitimate concern. This is not just a matter of obsolete software. Over time, I’ve spent well over $1000 on content, as, I’m sure, several of the concerned people have. This is a significant investment and demonstrates trust in the platform, a trust which is being significantly eroded.

    There is a fairly simple technical solution: maintain an older version of the software which freezes the current feature set and maintains access to people’s existing content. This is a fairly common practice in the software world.

    There is also a different bottom line for OT, as opposed to other software companies: your mission statement and values. They suggest you are different than traditional software companies. Please consider: is this announcement a reflection of those values?

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  20. Raymond Seow

    I am worrying in the near future I may lose everything in my Olive Tree Apps. I have bought many books/commentaries and, yes, I love the apps. I bought iPad because my Samsung wasn’t running the apps smoothly.
    I strongly agree that older devices should be able to log in, and continue to use as before. Only thing is new features are not available to them.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  21. Carl A Palmateer Jr

    I am somewhat disappointed but it is not unexpected. It is a part of using technology. At least I do not have to buy a new app or a copy for each device and my purchases are maintained throughout the upgrades, unlike some other places. As long as OliveTree stays in business I should always have one device that can access my files. Even my Win7 desktop still works, I should try my Win98 laptop someday but I’m not sure it can access the internet anymore.

    For many who are disappointed I think you are missing a point of the new market. You don’t really buy any electronic book (Amazon, B&N, OliveTree, etc). Its more of a long term lease. The files are only good for as long as the parent stays afloat and the technology is supported. Tried to find a laser disc player for your old discs lately? If you have downloaded your electronic books to a storage device, if you have converted them to a open standard, then you might be able to keep using them on a computer, assuming the programs continue to be available. (You might also want to consider an open source OS)

    If its a really important book, for somethings, nothing beats a physical copy.

    • Cierra Klatt

      A few extra thoughts we’d like to share: 1) This change will not be affecting Windows or iOS devices, 2) This decision was not made lightly, and we are sorry we can no longer support these devices. The change is related to the connection type which is used on these older devices and is not something we foresee needing to do with future devices (though, of course, this is difficult to guarantee), 3) If you would like more insight into our decision or help in knowing a next step, please email our support team at support@olivetree.com. Thank you.

  22. Keith De Laet

    I don’t think there is cause to panic. I have used Olivetree products since the last century and I’ve been through this a few times before. I started with Palm OS and I can remember taking it to class in seminary and my fellow students thought it was the coolest invention since Noah built the ark. Now when I take it out, which I do from time to time, people think it was on the ark.

    I’ve had to upgrade devices twice and the same thing was true both times. First, when I logged in to my account I was able to download all my content to the new device. Second, I can still to this day access the old content on the old device. I just can’t connect it to my account.

    Sadly, there does come a time when the limitations of the older tech just wont support the features that can be developed with newer tech. That’s why Apple just dropped support for the older 32 chips.

    If the past is any indication of the future, just make sure you download all of your books to your older device before the cutoff date and that should hold you until you want the features a newer device can provide. If the future is like the past.

    I hope that helps

  23. Joe C

    I’ve used the Olive Tree app on my $50 Kindle 7″ (I have 2015 and 2017 models)($33 on sale) – and they really run the app well – much better than the older devices listed as being removed from support.

    also, I work at Olive Tree – but thought this might be helpful to note.

  24. David M Haigh

    I too have Dell PDA and the downloaded files are still available.