When iOS 6 was announced many were relieved to know it would work on older devices such as the iPhone 3GS. But in case you’re unaware, you’ll be getting a limited version of iOS 6 on some of these older devices. Not all the latest and greatest features will be available across all devices. Support for one device has even discontinued…
All of this information is available on Apple’s new iOS 6 page. Certain new features of iOS 6 are only going to be supported on specific devices. So before you get your hopes up on any new features check out the list below.
- Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation – iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or later
- Siri – iPhone 4S and third generation iPad
- Shared Photo Streams – iPhone 3GS or later and iPad 2 or later
- FaceTime over cellular – iPhone 4S and third generation iPad
- VIP inbox – iPhone 3GS or later and iPad 2 or later
- Offline Reading List – iPhone 4 or later and iPad 2 or later
Even though the iPhone 3GS will be compatible with iOS 6, you’re really missing out on pretty much all of the “new” and great features on the newest version. Though it’s probably important to keep your device up to date.
Another shocker is that Apple is completely dropping support for the original iPad. Not sure why, but honestly most companies don’t support devices for more than a couple years.
At the rate technology changes these days, I’m surprised the 3GS has any support.
I don’t understand why the iPhone 3Gs lacks some of these features. I understand Flyover, that may be a performance issue, but VIP inbox, Offline Reading List, no Turn-By-Turn… What’s the point in updating it then?
But good news is that more than likely some handy jailbreak tweaks may add this functionality in once iOS 6 is publicly released and (eventually) jailbroken. Though MuscleNerd just released a developer only, tethered jailbreak for iOS 6 beta on some of the compatible devices above. So maybe sooner than later right?
What do you think about these compatibility restraints?
