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Last iOS version for iPhone 4S?

AaronM5670

AaronM5670

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 19, 2012
603
163
Norwich, UK
Will the iPhone 4S (or 4) get iOS 7 or even iOS 8?

I'd like to think that they'd support it up to iOS 7/8 or so because that seems to be the trend (2/3 years of support)

Your thoughts?
 
I had a 3GS (I sold it for an iP5 when it came out) that ran 6.1 and I have to say it wasn't too bad considering its age, apart from crashing of apps which was quite frequent, it depends what you do on a phone though as to when to upgrade obviously.
 
You asked for thoughts.... My thoughts are that Apple has a relatively good idea of how many people still use certain devices. If the use of the 4S dropped enough that there wouldn't be a significant outcry they would cut it off. I would hope Apple develops better hardware/software for iOS 7 that makes me want to purchase a newer model. In all fairness to consumers and contracts though, I would like to see software supported on devices for at least 3 years.
 
AaronM5670 said:
Will the iPhone 4S (or 4) get iOS 7 or even iOS 8?

I'd like to think that they'd support it up to iOS 7/8 or so because that seems to be the trend (2/3 years of support)

Your thoughts?
Click to expand...

It will keep getting updated, but in name only. Don't expect any new features. Say hi to fragmentation.
 
spyguy10709 said:
Welcome, I've been used to this for 3-4 years now - iPhone 2G not getting iOS 4, iOS 4 running like crap on the 3G....
Click to expand...

Old hardware runs slow and crappy on newer firmware usually.
There's only so much you can do with old devices.
You want it to run nice and fast on the latest iOS you will have to keep your hardware somewhat new.
 
If the 3GS is able to run iOS 6 well enough to support it, I see no reason why the 4S won't support up until at least iOS 8.
 
Remember how Apple works.

It will get the small new features of iOS 8, just like the iPhone 4 only got the small stuff of iOS 6.

It wont get the full package. Probably not even the half.
 
The 4s is still a great solid phone for a lot of people and will continue to be. My guess is the 4s will get iOS 7 and barebones iOS 8. The 512mb of ram will start to cause issues sooner rather than later.
 
Sensamic said:
Remember how Apple works.

It will get the small new features of iOS 8, just like the iPhone 4 only got the small stuff of iOS 6.

It wont get the full package. Probably not even the half.
Click to expand...

Like what?

iPhone 4 got Apple Maps, new iPod app, new Safari speeds/features, iCloud improvements - basically everything that wasn't Siri...

tell me again how it didn't?
 
spyguy10709 said:
Like what?

iPhone 4 got Apple Maps, new iPod app, new Safari speeds/features, iCloud improvements - basically everything that wasn't Siri...

tell me again how it didn't?
Click to expand...

It's missing turn by turn and flyover from maps. Also panorama photos, and Siri, as you mentioned. Turn by turn and siri are pretty huge, at least IMO. If I'm not mistaken, there is also no FaceTime over 3G. I could care less, but it might matter to others.
 
Last edited:
If you follow apple's trends you get 2 years of optimal use and 3 years of updates. Did apple ever think of bragging that?

However, the iPhone 4 maybe the last to follow this since multi-cores have a lot more processing power to them So they might get an extra year of updates.
 
Judging by the hardware of the iPhone 4S, the farthest I see in terms of OS upgrade is IOS 9, maybe IOS 10 (some features.) The iPhone 4 is still supported by IOS 6, the iPhone 3GS is also still supported. The iPhone 5 will have a significant IOS lifespan. Up to OS10.0
 
spyguy10709 said:
Like what?

iPhone 4 got Apple Maps, new iPod app, new Safari speeds/features, iCloud improvements - basically everything that wasn't Siri...

tell me again how it didn't?
Click to expand...

Read the following to see what is missing.





lordofthereef said:
It's missing turn by turn and flyover from maps. Also panorama photos, and Siri, as you mentioned. Turn by turn and siri are pretty huge, at least IMO. If I'm not mistaken, there is also no FaceTime over 3G. I could care less, but it might matter to others.
Click to expand...

Basically the BIGGEST features are missing. You only get the small stuff.

See now?
 
spyguy10709 said:
Like what?

iPhone 4 got Apple Maps, new iPod app, new Safari speeds/features, iCloud improvements - basically everything that wasn't Siri...

tell me again how it didn't?
Click to expand...

Features the iPhone 4 did not get:
-Siri
-Turn by turn navigation
-Flyover
-FaceTime over cellular
-Panorama

All the big features.
 
iPhone 4S will definitely get iOS 7. I think the iPhone 4 will also, but I think they'll call it quits with the 3GS.
 
irDigital0l said:
iOS 6 already the last update for the 3GS. Apple stopped selling the 3GS last year.
Click to expand...

I'm aware they no longer sell them, but I thought the 3GS was still receiving updates although I do remember something about it getting a final update a while back.
 
JarScott said:
I'm aware they no longer sell them, but I thought the 3GS was still receiving updates although I do remember something about it getting a final update a while back.
Click to expand...

Yea I meant it wont get iOS 7 so if iOS 6.1.3 is the last iOS 6 update, its the last update the 3GS will get.
 
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