Similar to previous upgrades of iOS, users with older devices will not be able to use all the features of iOS 6. Here is a listing of the limitations for the older hardware.
Many people will complain that the older Apple hardware does not get all the new features in iOS 6. Most of us believe that yearly updates to the OS are icing on the cake. Apple typically limits features when using on older hardware would limit performance. Apple users expect the experience to be snappy so limiting features based on hardware makes sense. The cynical person will also say that this “makes cents” for Apple by encouraging people to buy new hardware for the latest bells and whistles.
What will features will run is mixed based on the various hardware of all the different devices.
Will my device be able to run iOS 6?
iPhone devices prior to the 3GS, 4th generation iPod Touch, and the first iPad will not be able to install iOS 6 at all. The 3GS will be able to install iOS 6 but cannot use any of the below features. The features are ranked with the more powerful requirements placed at the top.
Requires at least iPhone 4S or iPad 2 or later
In the new Maps application, Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation
Requires an iPhone 4S or 3rd generation iPad
Siri
Requires an iPhone 4S
1. Panorama Photography
2. Made for iPhone hearing aids
Requires at least iPhone 4 or iPad 2 or later
1. Shared Photo Streams
2. FaceTime over a cellular network
3. VIP list
4. VIP and Flagged smart mailboxes
5. Offline Reading list
