Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader Intune Not Opening PDFs on iPad
Question details
The user is unable to open PDF documents using the Adobe Acrobat Reader Intune app on their iPad after updating to iOS 14.5.1.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader Intune
- Device & OS
- iOS 14.5.1
- Scenario
- Accessing important enterprise PDF files on an iPad after performing a system update.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to open documents and displays an error message stating that the developer needs to update the app.
Ensure your iPad has a stable internet connection and check if your organization's IT department has issued any service bulletins regarding Intune compatibility with recent iOS updates.
Update or Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader Intune
The most common fix for the "developer needs to update the app" error is installing the latest patched version from the App Store or your Company Portal.
System updates can sometimes introduce structural changes that make older versions of third-party enterprise apps incompatible. Updating the app forces it to align with the new iOS standards.
Navigate to the App Store or your organization's Intune Company Portal app on your iPad's home screen.
Search for Adobe Acrobat Reader Intune and check if an "Update" button is available. If it is, tap it to install the latest version.
If no update is available, uninstall the app by long-pressing its icon on the home screen, selecting "Remove App", and then reinstalling it through the Company Portal.

Use the Apple Files App as a Temporary PDF Viewer
If you need immediate access to your PDF files while waiting for an app update, you can use the native Files app on your iPad.
Open and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If enterprise apps like Adobe Intune are facing compatibility issues after an iOS update, WPS Office provides a reliable, lightweight alternative to open, read, and annotate your PDF files directly on your iPad.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the iOS App Store and launch the application on your iPad.
- 2. Access your files: Tap the "Files" tab located at the bottom of the screen to browse your local device storage or connected cloud drives.
- 3. Open the PDF: Select the PDF file you wish to view; WPS Office will open it instantly without iOS update compatibility errors.
- 4. Use reading tools: Utilize the intuitive bottom toolbar to navigate pages, add annotations, or share the document easily.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad say the developer needs to update the app?
This message appears when an app's internal code is not fully optimized or compatible with the latest iOS architecture. Apple enforces strict app standards, and the developer (in this case, Adobe) must release a patch to support the new iOS version.
Can I downgrade my iPadOS to fix the Adobe Intune issue?
Downgrading iOS or iPadOS is generally not recommended by Apple and is often impossible once Apple stops signing the older software version. It is much safer to wait for an app update or use an alternative PDF reader like WPS Office.
Are my PDF files lost if the Adobe app will not open?
No, your PDF files remain completely safe in your device's storage or cloud drive. Only the application used to open them is malfunctioning. You can safely access these files using other applications.




