iOS 4 Runs Fine on iPhone 3GS Units, Apple Claims

Apple admitted to the possibility of reduced performance on iPhone 3G devices running iOS 4, but downplayed similar complaints coming from iPhone 3GS owners, saying that those who think iOS 4 is causing problems on a 3GS should contact Apple Care for assistance.

“We're not receiving any reports regarding it being an issue with the iPhone 3GS,” said Natalie Harrison, an Apple spokeswoman, according to the Los Angeles Times’ Technology blog. “If customers are having problems, we advise them to contact Apple Care for assistance,” the spokeswoman said.

Before launching iOS 4 into the wild, Apple confirmed the addition of over 100 new features, among which seven key ones were mentioned. Of those, multitasking was by far the most prominent, although the company said it would not be supported on older-generation hardware. For example, an iPhone 3G would not be able to handle the workload of multiple apps on stand by. The 3GS, however, can.

Despite the spokesperson declaring that Apple hasn’t been receiving any complaints regarding iOS 4 issues with iPhone 3GS handsets, the company’s Discussions forums are indicating that many customers are, indeed, having problems with the new operating system.

According to the aforementioned LA Times blog, Chris Squires, of Bakersfield, said he immediately called Apple when his entire contact list was erased following the upgrade to iOS 4 on his iPhone 3GS. Apple tech support reportedly couldn't figure out what happened. Squires also had other problems with the new OS, which prompted him to find a way to revert back to an older version of the iOS. Apple, however, doesn’t offer support for this.

"It doesn't sync up to my Bluetooth anymore," Squires said. "If I'm in the middle of a text or e-mail or website, it'll freeze and then I'll have to power it down. I never really had to do that with the regular 3GS." Squires added: "I'm in a situation now where I don't even know if I want to keep the phone or not."

The blog post mentions that users of both older iPhone models have been complaining on Apple's forum, as well as on various blogs since the introduction of iOS 4. However, these complaints have been been overshadowed by the "death grip" / antennagate issue plaguing the new iPhone 4, according to the blog.