New Features in iOS 6 Receive Spotty Support from Older Devices

Apple claims that iOS 6, the next version of its iPhone and iPad operating system, is "compatible" with devices as old as the iPhone 3GS. The 3GS was originally released nearly three years ago in June 2009 -- an eternity in gadget time.

However, at the bottom of Apple's iOS 6 info page lies a small disclaimer: "Not all features are available on all devices." This is followed by eight footnotes detailing exactly which features work on which devices.

Ios6 feature chart
Some features, like the VIP List for email, the Offline Reading List, and Shared Photo Stream won't work on the iPhone 3GS. Even flagship iOS features like Siri and FaceTime over cellular won't work on recent devices like the iPhone 4 or the iPad 2 -- not to mention the iPhone 3GS.

All that said, however, iPhone 3GS owners will receive iOS 6 features like redesigned App and Music Stores, Cloud Tabs in Safari, Facebook integration, and other improvements -- it just won't include nearly the same number of features as the owners of Apple's latest and greatest gadgets.

Top Rated Comments

deannnnn Avatar
155 months ago
What on earth is preventing FaceTime over cellular on the iPhone 4?
Score: 158 Votes (Like | Disagree)
arn Avatar
155 months ago
"Android is fragmented. But iOS isn't." Where's the sandbox so I can put my head in there with all the other people claiming this ?

Because the android version of this chart would have over 2000 devices?

arn
Score: 120 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ActionJax Avatar
155 months ago
I know this is par for Apple's course, but as an iPhone 4 owner, I still say "Ugh!"
Score: 113 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iShorty Avatar
155 months ago
Facetime over 3G not for iPhone 4? What the ....
Score: 99 Votes (Like | Disagree)
squirekyle Avatar
155 months ago
No FaceTime over 3G for iPhone 4? :mad:
No Siri support for iPod or iPhone 4? :mad:
No Turn by Turn Directions for iPhone 4? :mad:

:apple: Is it still magical?:apple: :p
Score: 76 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nickn Avatar
155 months ago
And this isn't fragmentation? How funny that Apple of all companies, who rips on Android for be fragmented, goes and fragments the whole OS. Again, people, Apple doesn't care about the consumer. What reason is there for not enabling Face time over 3G on the iPhone 4? Skype can do it fine, and so can jailbroken handsets. Apple doesn't care about you, they simply care about bilking more money out of everyone!
Score: 65 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Delta Feature

Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone

Wednesday April 17, 2024 9:58 am PDT by
Game emulator apps have come and gone since Apple announced App Store support for them on April 5, but now popular game emulator Delta from developer Riley Testut is available for download. Testut is known as the developer behind GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator that was available for a brief time more than a decade ago. GBA4iOS led to Delta, an emulator that has been available outside of...
iOS NES Emulator Bimmy Feature

NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

Tuesday April 16, 2024 11:33 am PDT by
The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any...
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Translate

All iPhone 16 Models to Feature Action Button, But Usefulness Debated

Tuesday April 16, 2024 6:54 am PDT by
Last September, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models debuted with a new customizable Action button, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models, so we asked iPhone 15 Pro users what their experience has been with the additional button so far. The Action button replaces the switch ...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With the New App Store Delta Game Emulator

Wednesday April 17, 2024 12:19 pm PDT by
A decade ago, developer Riley Testut released the GBA4iOS emulator for iOS, and since it was against the rules at the time, Apple put a stop to downloads. Emulators have been a violation of the App Store rules for years, but that changed on April 5 when Apple suddenly reversed course and said that it was allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
iOS 18 Siri Integrated Feature

iOS 18 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Friday April 12, 2024 11:11 am PDT by
iOS 18 is expected to be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more...