You won't be able to play Fortnite and Roblox on this iPad released in 2021 anymore

Apple has always been discreet about the amount of RAM built into its iPads. But this technical "detail" (which isn't one) is becoming impossible to ignore for users of games like Fortnite or Roblox. Recently, some recent models, but not powerful enough, are showing their limitations when faced with these must-have titles for younger users.

Fortnite and Roblox are shaking up entry-level iPads

Since May 2025, Fortnite has officially returned to the US App Store, but with a clear technical requirement: a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. The iPad 9, with its 3 GB of RAM, can still install the game... but not launch it. In other words, the title is not playable.

Roblox, more tolerant on paper, still works on these devices, but problems are common. Users are receiving a "low memory" warning (error code 292), which could be mistaken for a lack of storage space. In reality, it is insufficient RAM. The message advises players to quit the game to avoid crashes, with no guarantee of a stable experience.

What to do if your iPad is affected?

The iPad 9, sold between 2021 and 2024, is the last model to include a Home button. Apple has long offered it at €389 in a Wi-Fi version, a price that appealed to many parents looking for an affordable iPad for their children. But with only 3GB of RAM, this model no longer meets the requirements of some recent games like Fortnite (which refuses to launch) and is starting to suffer with Roblox.

Since then, Apple has replaced this iPad with more powerful models. The iPad with the A16 chip, launched in March 2025, offers 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, the bare minimum to relaunch Fortnite in good conditions. Its launch price is set at €409, but it can be found for less at some retailers. The new iPad also brings some significant bonuses: a larger screen (11 inches vs. 10.2), a USB-C connection instead of Lightning, and double the storage compared to the old model.

If you're looking for a more durable machine or one that can accommodate Apple Intelligence features in the future, you'll have to move upmarket. The iPad Air with M3 chip, for example, offers 8GB of RAM, but its price starts at around €719, although it can be found cheaper on the web.

Source: 9to5Mac