No iOS 5 for iPhone 3GS?

[MOFS]

"Wahh... it's forced obsolescence!"

Boobs. The iPhone 4 is a fair amount faster than the 3GS and also features more RAM (an important consideration). The 3GS is starting to show some of its age running the current version of iOS. If iOS 5 makes significant improvements which require the greater processing power of the iPhone 4 (and any future generations) it would just make the 3GS even slower. I'm sure some of the same people complaining would be among the crowd growling at the speed decrease if Apple did offer support.

Apple has a pretty decent history of backward compatibility with its devices and in the cases where it is fairly borderline the fact that they do move on rather than retain backward support with everything is an important factor of what allows them to innovate so quickly.

If the features of iOS 5 are must-haves for you, upgrade your device. Or continue enjoying a device which will continue functioning as reliably as it has in the past—and with all the features you’ve been enjoying since you purchased it.

Great post. The other thing to remember is that the iPhone 4 is required to run HD apps. Surely this tells us that the iPhone 4 does not contain the same hardware as the preceding models, and further highlights that Apple are looking to standardise things. The iPhone 3GS being still sold does not reflect that Apple are going to upgrade the OS for it indefinitely, merely with it's pricing it shows that it aims to price it for those looking for a bargain iPhone and nothing more.

 

[jlwarlow]

Well... It's my opportunity to sell my 3Gs and move to Android ^^"...

I wouldn't. The 3Gs is much better than my HTC Desire. I can't wait till my 24months is up so I can sell it and sign up for a new contract with the latest iPhone!

 

[drober30]

The iPhone is great and I have purchased every new version since inception. It has also been the reason that soccer moms now carry a smart phone.

With that said, I'm finally getting a little board of the same interface. I like some of the Android phones that I see which are thinner and have bigger screens and run on 4G. I'm sure it's the grass is greener syndrome but "most" techies like us need at least a yearly update.

 

[SeaChange]

Stop complaining about a 2 year old phone not getting a software update. It's lame.

 

[SeaChange]

I for one own a 3Gs and I still love it! In regards to not getting the new OS whatever, I have OS 4.3.2 and it runs fine no lag like others claim.

They will not stop me from using my, "dinosaur", until they release an LTE (4G) capable phone. I am not going to upgrade to some trivial CPU, camera, and memory bump in specs just for the sake of upgrading.

Bring on 4G!!!!

You can leave Apple and get a great 4G phone in the next 3 months or so.

 

[1984world]

The problem for those of us in Canada is that renewals are every THREE years rather then every TWO years like in the US. And we still get the privilege of paying $300.00 to sign for the three years (plus tax and more for insurance if you want it). This, with our dollar worth MORE then the US dollar at this time.....

 

[Blaine]

I am soooo ready to dump this 3GS. I was stupid and skipped the iPhone 4 because it never came in white.

My 3GS is dog slow, and I can 100% understand it not running iOS 5.
The 3GS is very laugh and it takes forever to take a picture. I want the iPhone 5 to be out in June or the first of July. I don't want to wait till September.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

The problem for those of us in Canada is that renewals are every THREE years rather then every TWO years like in the US. And we still get the privilege of paying $300.00 to sign for the three years (plus tax and more for insurance if you want it). This, with our dollar worth MORE then the US dollar at this time.....

good thing your iphone will continue to work during that 3rd year... it will even still function in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th year perfectly fine!

 

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

Apple should start creating iOS versions that do not need so much specs so more iDevices get support.

The only people who would want such a thing are folks who buy an iPhone and want to stick with it for an extended period of time. But on the other hand this would be horrible for business. Apple needs to stay competitive and that means offering the latest and greatest in new handsets, making sure the product remains profitable by making it as lucrative as possible for new buyers (they go out of their way to retain an exceptional period of value for previous buyers, who having waited this long only need to spend about $200 on each handset), and remaining competitive with the likes of Android. Second, if they decided to slow the addition and support for new features in favor of keeping things toned back for the old devices (and their users) they'd be turning features over from the people who appreciate them most to more of the general audience. Bad move all around.

 

[Tundraboy]

Don't be surprised if the first gen iPad is excluded also!!!!!

 

[jb1280]

Don't be surprised if the first gen iPad is excluded also!!!!!

besides spreading FUD, what precisely is your rationale behind this statement?

 

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

You don't read very carefully do you?

Very mature.

I said I did NOT expect all the new features added to ATV1. But offering TV Show RENTALS is an iTunes server/host issue, NOT any 'significant' reprogram on the OS part of AppleTV. After all, it already rents movies. TV shows are just a slightly tagged different format (anyone who imports their own tv shows knows this). The SAME tv shows are available to PURCHASE for AppleTV1 so we know they are already available in the proper ATV1 format (i.e. 24fps, not 30fps). It would not take much effort at ALL to offer the rentals for ATV1. It's certainly not in the same class as making a Netflix viewer for ATV1, for example.

No, it is not just a 'server/host' issue. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess you're not a programmer (or at least not experienced in this area). There is much more additional programming/testing/follow-up up required than you suggest. Probably not as much as a major feature like AirPlay, but still, it falls into a similar consideration. And the best point on this one is that rentals actually offers a return for Apple and they still chose not to update the previous OS. If someone is really hurt about that, the new Apple TV is only $99.

Edit: I realized later in discussion that he was referring specifically to TV Show rentals rather than rentals in general, and as I don't rent much I became confused and misunderstood him. I was incorrect about the amount of work involved (it would still require some work, but not as much as I suggested) and agree that Apple should probably have considered extending this capability to a device which people were purchasing right up until the release of the AppleTV 2. I apologize for the misunderstanding.

But like I said, it's Apple's loss. I get my TV shows elsewhere. I get my movies elsewhere now as well just because I don't like what they did. Besides, they don't offer squat to buy anyway. The hell on Apple. Amazon just got a new cloud customer with their 99 cent offer as well. Clearly, other companies DO care about service and value. Amazon music is usually cheaper. Steve Jobs made a big stink about fighting the record companies but then told a lie about 69 cent songs (there are almost none, even OLD songs are at least 99 cents, if not $1.29 for anything remotely popular and almost everything new is $1.29).

This is a little more a rant—maybe a tantrum—than an objective discussion of the matter at hand. Pricing is up to the studios, so deal with that. What you say elsewhere here may reflect your buying decisions (and good for you for voting with your wallet, if indeed that is what you have done) but it does not in any meaningful respect reflect the sentiments of the consumer. And one small nugget for you—if Apple thought it would be a 'win' (whatever the opposite of "Apple's loss" is), they would have done it.

I don't buy anything from Apple these days (save an iPod Touch and even its camera and battery life are terribly disappointing; my Gen1 iPod touch lasted nearly twice as long for battery life) and it seems that will include my next computer as well (Hackintosh or maybe even juts Win7; I'm sick of Apple's focus on iOS and leaving OSX to rot with outdated/ancient OpenGL, no USB3 and other deficiencies. If I wanted a crap computer, I'd buy a $300 one). Apple used to be good back in 2008. My MBP was good value for the dollar and ran Vista better than most PCs did and had every feature I could want at the time (expansion port, matte screen, dual-FW ports, battery expansion and ram slots and even changing the HD wasn't 'that' hard). It's all been going downhill ever since, IMO. I'm afraid as long as Steve Jobs runs Apple, it will stay that way. They need someone running the Mac division that actually wants to compete with Windows, IMO.

Okay, I see at this point I probably shouldn't have even bothered responding to you. You're so pissed off that you're not even seeing things factually. Rather, you just perceive matters in a way that pleases the ideas you have about this. Apple has not abandoned the Mac, you're just jealous that they have someone else on the side.

 

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

Don't be surprised if the first gen iPad is excluded also!!!!!

It won't be. And he doesn't have rationale behind it.

 

[gorgeousninja]

Basically Apple are one in no-win situation. On the one hand you have thousands of users expecting that Apple stays out in front, but equally, on the other, there are those who demand that all new software remains compatible with older models.

A similar situation with regards to leap forwards in software demands can be seen in games, where graphics cards are released with relatively short production cycles to keep up with the ever more intense details of new games.

When 'Crysis' was launched only high end systems could run it properly, leaving many people either unable to play it, or only at minimum settings. Eventually hardware upgrade cycles were refreshed enough that most systems could keep up with the game. Apple are giving us the 'can it run crysis?' option.

While I can understand the cries about forced obsolescence, it seems just as reasonable for Apple to release a product that keeps it at the cutting edge rather than settle for mediocrity.

Sorry, but it's an old phone.. get an upgrade.

 

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

Basically Apple are one in no-win situation. On the one hand you have thousands of users expecting that Apple stays out in front, but equally, on the other, there are those who demand that all new software remains compatible with older models.

Actually, Apple has a very clear solution to this, and it is because the circumstance is a little different from what you describe above. The main consideration is to keep in mind that the voices of these online communities are a horrible representation of Apple's actual customer base. The truth of the matter is that among a small minority there is division over whether Apple should release a software update for an older device which is going to slow it down at the expense of new features (or magically somehow speed them up with new features) and those who understand that there is a time to make phones obsolete (and it is probably somewhat relative to their individual buying power), and then there are the customers who make up the bulk of Apple's customer base.

The average Apple customer may upgrade their phone (at some point) when their computer tells them to, and will not bother otherwise. They probably won't hold much interest in major updates unless their family really drives home that it is important. Of new features added, they probably won't think much of most of them, but they would be furious if an update made their phone more unreliable or slower. These are the people Apple needs to look out for above all others, and they're not us.

 

[DeathChill]

I think that beyond any hardware issues the 3GS might present for iOS 5, it just seems silly to spend time working on making it run. The amount of time that would be required for the actual coding, debugging and QA could be better spent elsewhere; you know, like adding new features.

 

[LegendKillerUK]

For those asking about how many people are buying the 3GS I don't think it's many. My sister bought one yesterday and it came with 4.2.1 so me thinks it's been sitting in O2's stock room for a while.

 

[pika2000]

Considering the iOS4 fiasco on iPhone 3G, I guess this is expected. Maybe this is why Apple is considering in making a "cheaper smaller" iPhone, so instead of having a previous gen sold alongside the new one as the cheaper version like what they've been doing so far, they just replace the whole lineup altogether (same internals).

 

[pika2000]

Don't be surprised if the first gen iPad is excluded also!!!!!

1st gen iPad uses the A4, the same hardware as the iPhone 4, so it will get iOS5.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

1st gen iPad uses the A4, the same hardware as the iPhone 4, so it will get iOS5.

and the 3gs uses an ARM cortex A8, which is an A4, the gpu just isn't on the same chip... what's your point?

 

[Sined]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.


Apple puts iOS 5 on the 3GS, people will complain at how bad it runs

or

Apple doesn't put iOS 5 on the 3GS, people complain they got left behind

 

[AppleScruff1]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.


Apple puts iOS 5 on the 3GS, people will complain at how bad it runs

or

Apple doesn't put iOS 5 on the 3GS, people complain they got left behind

LOL. How true.

 

[KnightWRX]

Actually, Apple has a very clear solution to this.

And you know this from what actually ? Again people : There is no official word from Apple here. All this is pure speculation on the part of a Russian rag.

All facts point to the opposite in my opinion:

1- The 3GS and the 4 have the same GPU/CPU combo essentially. ARM Cortex A8 paired with a SGX535.

2- The 3GS and the iPad 1 share the same amount of RAM, 256 MB.

3- The original iPhone got 3 iOS versions : 1.x, 2.x and 3.x. The iPhone 3G got 3 revisions of iOS, 2.x, 3.x and 4.x. It stands to reason the 3GS is going to get the same 3 revisions : iOS 3.x, 4.x and 5.x.

4- The difference in performance between the iPhone 3G and 3GS and between the 3GS and 4 is quite different. The iPhone 3G was quite underpowered compared to the 3GS, which is close to the 4 (even scoring better FPS in most OpenGL games du to its lower screen resolution).

These 4 facts make me certain this Russian editor is full of crap. The 3GS will get some form of iOS 5.0. Will it be a limited release like the iPhone 3G's iOS 4.0 ? Maybe, maybe not. That remains to be seen.

So let's stay calm and not pretend anyone is more right than anyone else here. Anyone talking about this topic is purely in the realm of opinion, and not of facts. You are not more right than anyone else.

 

[Ashin]

Bare in mind, the 3GS has less work to do with a lower res screen and requires less RAM to do tasks due to lower memory overhead, that's why the iPhone 4 actually feels laggier on occasions to the 3GS.

I guarantee you the 3GS can handle iOS5, I wouldn't be surprised if Apple actually slim down the OS, since iOS4 is really bloated (hence why it barely changed but got bigger and slower)

The 3GS is still on sale, and Apple guarantees at least +1 iOS update, people would probably sue them if they broke the lie it says in their ToS, so there is no use arguing over it, the 3GS will most definitely get it

 

[madmaxmedia]

This basically sums it all up. If the iPad 1 were to get iOS 5, it doesn't seem there should be any significant technical/performance reasons for the iPhone 3GS not to get it too.

All that being said, who knows what will actually happen.

I'm a 3GS user and won't get too up in arms either way. But the 3GS and 4 are really not that far apart- the difference is quantitative (clock speed) rather than qualitative (new gen CPU/GPU).

And you know this from what actually ? Again people : There is no official word from Apple here. All this is pure speculation on the part of a Russian rag.

All facts point to the opposite in my opinion:

1- The 3GS and the 4 have the same GPU/CPU combo essentially. ARM Cortex A8 paired with a SGX535.

2- The 3GS and the iPad 1 share the same amount of RAM, 256 MB.

3- The original iPhone got 3 iOS versions : 1.x, 2.x and 3.x. The iPhone 3G got 3 revisions of iOS, 2.x, 3.x and 4.x. It stands to reason the 3GS is going to get the same 3 revisions : iOS 3.x, 4.x and 5.x.

4- The difference in performance between the iPhone 3G and 3GS and between the 3GS and 4 is quite different. The iPhone 3G was quite underpowered compared to the 3GS, which is close to the 4 (even scoring better FPS in most OpenGL games du to its lower screen resolution).

These 4 facts make me certain this Russian editor is full of crap. The 3GS will get some form of iOS 5.0. Will it be a limited release like the iPhone 3G's iOS 4.0 ? Maybe, maybe not. That remains to be seen.

So let's stay calm and not pretend anyone is more right than anyone else here. Anyone talking about this topic is purely in the realm of opinion, and not of facts. You are not more right than anyone else.