If you’re wondering whether Apple’s iOS 6 will work on your iDevice, read on. Like every new iOS-release, Apple plans on phasing out support for some iDevices with this year’s release of iOS 6: support for the original, first-gen iPad has been dropped – though surprisingly, some features will remain on the third-generation iPhone 3GS. Crazy, right? Read on, and we’ll provide a breakdown of iOS 6-supported iDevices.
First up - and as mentioned – the first-generation iPad is no longer covered by Apple’s yearly iOS updates, meaning iOS 5.1.1 is the end of the road for the “original iPad.” This is a problematic decision made by the folks over at Cupertino, CA, however, as the iPhone 4 – which, like the first-gen iPad, sports an A4-processor – is indeed compatible with iOS 6, as is the iPhone 4S. Naturally, both the iPad 2 and the “new” (third-gen) iPad are covered, and equally – as with iOS 5 – the first- and second-gen iPhones (the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G), aren’t supported.
Just to check you’re keeping up, iDevices compatible with iOS 6 include:
- iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (third-generation)
- iPhone 4 and iPod touch (fourth-generation)
- iPhone 4S and iPod touch (fifth-generation)
- iPad 2
- iPad (third-generation)
However, it’s not as simple as that: unfortunately, while the iPhone 3GS and iPad 2 are compatible with iOS 6, not all of the operating system’s 200 new features will be available to owners of these older iDevices. Instead, the iPhone 3GS will receive only the new store designs, iCloud Tabs and Facebook integration – all other features will not be compatible with the third-generation smart phone. Furthermore, both the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 are receiving limited iOS 6-support, as detailed in the below image:
Hopefully that makes sense – if you’re stuck, post your questions in the comments.
