14 DAY TRIAL // iOS 4 is a free software update offering over 100 new features for existing iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch owners. It has been known for a while now that features and capabilities vary between models, while some are available only on newer models. This report offers a simple look at some of the unique features for certain device models, as disclosed by Apple itself.
Two Support documents (1,2) posted on Apple’s website offer a simple way to determine which features of iOS 4 are available for certain iPhone and iPod touch models. From the get-go, the Mac maker informs customers that original iPhones are incompatible with the new software, while certain features, like multitasking, are unavailable for iPhone 3G and older iPod touch models.
According to knowledge base article HT4204, both iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS owners will get to benefit from three key iOS 4 features, those being Home Screen Folders, Unified Inbox and threading for mail, and Internet tethering. Additional iOS 4 features supported only by new-generation, 3GS handsets are Multitasking, Bluetooth keyboard support, Home screen wallpaper, and Data protection. Apple then directs customers to the iOS 4 Software Update page for a list of additional features and capabilities available on all iPhone models.
iOS 4 feature compatibility checklist for iPhone devices
Credits: Apple For iPod touch owners, the same rules apply - first-generation devices are completely unsupported, while 2G iterations of the player only support a limited number of the key iOS 4 additions. To be noted that most of the 100+ features included by Apple in iOS 4 are compatible with all devices that support the installation of iOS 4.
For iPod touch 3G (third generation), Apple is proud to inform that Home Screen Folders is supported, as is the Unified inbox and threading for Mail, alongside Multitasking, Bluetooth keyboard support, Home screen wallpaper, and Data protection. Second-generation iPod touches can only handle Home Screen Folders, and the Mail enhancements, of the six key features listed in the table.
iOS 4 feature compatibility checklist for iPod touch devices
Credits: Apple The same KB article informs first-generation iPod touch owners running iOS 3 that they can update to the latest version of iOS 3 (version 3.1.3) for free. However, “If you are using an iPod touch (1st generation) with iOS 2.x or earlier, you can purchase iOS 3 from the iTunes Store,” Apple reveals, and directs customers to another Support piece, which details the process of “Purchasing iOS 3.1 Software Update for iPod touch (1st generation).”
Update: As reader "marteyn" points out in the comments, the only 3rd generation iPod touches that support all six iOS 4-specific features listed by Apple in the tables included above are the 32BG and 64GB models. Apple fails to make this clear in these feature-comparison checklists, but does so on multiple accounts on its web site, where iOS 4 features are detailed.