By Stephen Schenck | June 11, 2012 4:43 PM
For as exciting as Apple’s new software announcements can be, whenever one comes around it’s always a harrowing moment for users of older hardware, wondering if their devices will make the cut this time around, or if they’re finally going to be left by the wayside. With iOS 6, the upgrade situation looked pretty promising at first, with the only big loser being the original iPad. Now that we’re beginning to learn additional information about the company’s apps, some new limitations are coming light, and spelling bad news for owners of even more hardware.
The new Maps is going to be a major part of the changes arriving in iOS 6, featuring new Apple vector maps, navigation with turn-by-turn directions, and a stunning Flyover mode with some gorgeous renders of major cities. Those last two, though, are going to be exclusive to newer iOS devices, with models like the iPhone 3GS and even the iPhone 4 forced to sit this one out.
Apple has confirmed that those features will be unique to the iPad 2, iPad 3, and the iPhone 4S. Sure, lesser device will still get the new map data, along with real-time traffic info, but that’s still a big letdown. The lack of Flyover is a bit more understandable, but we have a feeling that the absence of turn-by-turn is going to cause quite a few frowns out there. From the sound of things this isn’t a “maybe it will come in a later update”-type restriction, but a done deal, presumably because of performance issues Apple couldn’t live with.
