It seems Nintendo isn’t comfortable with just sitting back and allowing smartphones and cheaper gaming options to move in on its mobile console gaming territory. This fall the company will be striking back with the Nintendo 2DS: a cheaper device for the low-end gaming market.
While the company hasn’t posted an official announcement on the gaming console on its website. Polygon, has somehow managed to get hold of all the information those thinking about picking up the Nintendo 2DS might need to know. Reportedly, the device will sell for just $129.99 when it debuts in North America on October 12.
As its name suggests, The Nintendo 2DS, will allow users to enjoy the same games as theNintendo 3DS console, just without any simulated 3D effects. While Nintendo hasn’t yet commented on why it choose to drop the 3D technology, it’s likely that doing so was simply a concession to reach the lower price. Currently, the Nintendo 3DS is priced at $169.99, possibly putting it just out of the “impulse buy” range that the mobile gaming market heavily relies on now to boost sales.
The Nintendo 2DS.
The most striking difference between the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS might be its somewhat unorthodox design. Instead of the clamshell design that Nintendo has relied on since introducing the Gameboy Advance SP, the Nintendo 2DS is one single piece of plastic with a larger and smaller screen. If that wasn’t enough, its design heavily resembles a wooden wedge that might be used as a door stop.
It doesn’t seem that the company has made any changes to the device‘s controls. The Nintendo 2DS will hang on to the touch screen, directional pad and thumb control previously seen in the 3DS.
News of the Nintendo 2DS comes just days after rival Sony announced that it would be cutting the price of its PlayStation Vita mobile console by $50. Both console price cuts are likely in response to the changing fortunes of mobile gaming. While mobile gaming consoles continue to offer a better gaming experience for users, smartphones like the iPhone now bring in nearly twice what dedicated mobile gaming consoles earn in one quarter.
The Nexus 7 LTE release date is imminent given that O2 in the United Kingdom will begin taking pre-orders for the device starting tomorrow ahead of a September 13th release date and given that the device is reportedly already being sold through a retailer in Germany.
In late July, Google introduced the new Nexus 7, a device that replaced the older Nexus 7 with a handful of upgrades including an improved 7-inch display, new lightweight design, rear 5MP camera, and 4G LTE data speeds. While the Wi-Fi Nexus 7 has been out on shelves since late July, the Nexus 7 LTE has yet to make it to shelves, leaving consumers around the world looking for answers.
The Nexus 7 LTE release date is imminent.
We’ve heard, in the past, that the Nexus 7 LTE would be coming to Italy and Japan in September though no specific date was issued. Today, after several weeks of waiting, the Nexus 7 LTE finally has one specific date.
O2 UK announced that it will be taking pre-orders for the Nexus 7 LTE ahead of its release date on September 13th. That’s the first concrete date that we’ve seen emerge and it’s possible that it will apply to other countries as well, including the United States.
Those who can’t wait can seemingly snag a Nexus 7 LTE early as it appears that German retailer MediaMarkt is currently selling an in-stock Nexus 7 LTE. In fact, users on Reddit are reporting that they were able to get an LTE model through MediaMarkt ahead of the device’s release date. It’s not clear how much stock, if any, is left at the retailer but it has certainly sold at least a couple of LTE-enabled Nexus 7 models ahead of schedule.
At least one retailer is already selling the Nexus 7 LTE.
What this could mean is that the Nexus 7 LTE will be available in at least some retail stores, something that has remained unconfirmed alongside its release date.
In the United States, a host of retailers currently carry the Wi-Fi only Nexus 7 and it’s possible that we could see at least a few of those join the Google Play Store.
Google’s Nexus 7 LTE works on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon making it the first Nexus device since the Samsung Galaxy Nexus to officially run on Verizon’s 4G LTE network.
Starting today, users can check into all of their favorite local hangout spots with the newFoursquare app for Windows 8.
Microsoft announced the arrival of the native Foursquare client for Windows this morning, after having formally unveiled its imminent release during its BUILD conference in late June. While Windows 8 users who are less social might shrug their shoulders at the opportunity to instantly inform their friends of where they are using the application, according to Foursquare over 35 million people worldwide use their service, making it a serious victory for Windows 8.
That victory is made somewhat more special by the fact that the Windows 8 hasn’t had many top-tier apps and services to trumpet in its first year of availability. While the operating system continues to gain marketshare thanks to its inclusion on desktops and laptops, quality applications remain somewhat elusive. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s launch decisions for Windows 8.1, the free update to Windows 8 that already finished but won’t be made available until October 18th, isn’t likely to help that.
Foursquare for Windows 8
It doesn’t seem that developers cut any corners on Foursquare for Windows 8. Just like its mobile counterparts, users can browse their latest check-ins, places that have a high number of check-ins and even overlay those checks-in on a map.
The app integrates nicely with some of the native features of Windows 8 like the Charms. Using the Search Charms, users can query Foursquare for information about specific locations around town. In addition to showcasing a picture taken of that location, users are also presented with special offers and information on Foursquare users who have recently checked in at that location.
Microsoft was careful to note that Foursquare for Windows 8 is a first for the social networking company. Until now, the company had restricted its presence to smartphones. According to Microsoft, the app is the first time the company has arrived natively on “large-screen devices.” Microsoft says that such an experience will be available exclusively on Windows 8.
A noted HTC insider has made some bold predictions in regards to upcoming HTCAndroid 4.2 Jelly Bean and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates saying that he doesn’t think that the HTC One S or HTC One SV will move past Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, even if the HTC One S gets the bump up to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
HTC remains coy on many of its Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update plans. However, that hasn’t stopped noted HTC leakster from making some bold, and likely educated predictions about the company’s plans for some of its older devices.
LLabTooFeR is known to have inside information about HTC software updates and he has been dead on in the past about software updates. So when he makes a prediction, it’s definitely worth reading into.
The HTC One S Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update has been rumored for some users.
Today, he’s made a few of them and unfortunately, it’s all bad news for the two devices in question. When asked about Android 4.3 for the HTC One S and HTC One SV, he says that he doesn’t think either of them will be getting the upgrade to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the future. Furthermore, he adds that he isn’t sure about Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for the HTC One S anymore.
Originally, he believed that HTC was looking into rolling out Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5 for the HTC One S, even after it cancelled the update. In the past, he has made it known that he doesn’t think the Snapdragon S3 powered HTC One S will get Android 4.2 but that it would be the Snapdragon S4 powered variant that would get it, if it arrived at all.
He suggests that Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean will be the last update for the HTC One SV, which seems to hint at an update down the road. HTC has yet to issue any update for the mid-range smartphone and it remains on Android 4.1.
Again, he has been dead on with his information in the past and at this point, it’s looking like the HTC One SV and HTC One S could both miss Android 4.3 with the HTC One S possibly missing Android 4.2.2 as well.
Rumors of an iPhone 5S release date on September 20th continue to gain steam as a leak from inside T-Mobile claims the company is blacking out vacation days starting on September 20th.
Apple is reportedly planning an iPhone 5S event for September 10th where we should find out about the latest iPhone 5S features and perhaps more about the iPhone 5C. Until that time, we also won’t see an official iPhone 5S release date, but with Apple’s predictable schedule and continuing rumors it’s time to put September 20th on the calendar as the most likely iPhone 5S release date.
T-Mobile and other carriers often restrict vacation around major launch events, and thanks to their kind action of telling employees about the restrictions in advance we often get a tip about when Apple plans a iPhone release. We also see logistics companies restrict employee time off during an iPhone release, to make sure enough staff is on hand to deliver the millions of pre-ordered iPhones.
Look for an iPhone 5S release date on September 20th according to multiple sources.
Today TmoNews reports that a source within T-Mobile claims the company is blacking out September 20th through September 22nd. The report claims this is subject to change, but given that the timing aligns with our iPhone 5S release date prediction and various leaks, it seems the T-Mobile iPhone 5S could arrive on September 20th.
Even though leaks don’t yet point to AT&T, Verizon and Sprint blacking out vacation times yet, if Apple is planning an iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S release date for the 20th, expect it to take place on all carriers at the same time. This will likely include U.S. Cellular which announced it would carry the iPhone this year.TmoNewsdoes point out that Samsung is launching the Galaxy Note 3 in early September, but doubts that T-Mobile would go through the trouble of blacking out vacations for the Note 3. The latestGalaxy Note 3 release daterumor points to September 27th, a week after the rumored iPhone 5S release date.
While there is no mention of any special timing, typically we see stores open early for the event. Apple Stores opened two hours early for the iPhone 5 as did AT&T, Sprint and Verizon retail stores. Most stores selling the iPhone 5S on release day will be fully staffed, with more employees on hand than an average Friday based on our experiences at past iPhone launches.
The iPhone 5S will reportedly feature a 4-inch Retina Display and similar design to the iPhone 5, but it could also come in a Gold color option at launch. We are hearing reports of a new processor that is significantly faster and possible motion sensing technology inside the iPhone 5S. There is also a lot of chatter about a fingerprint reader inside the iPhone 5S home button which would let users unlock an iPhone with a finger swipe and not a PIN.
If the iPhone 5S release lands on the 20th, look for the iOS 7 release date to arrive on September 18th for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. The iPad iOS 7 update may not arrive until later in the year.
It should only be a matter of time before the blue HTC One lands somewhere, possibly as another Verizon HTC One option and thanks to two leaks, we now have a good idea about what to expect from the blue HTC One.
The blue HTC One is not a very well kept secret. We’ve seen it leak out several times in the past, culminating in today’s leak fromHubFr which showcases the blue HTC One in the wild. While we’ve seen glimpses of the blue HTC One, we’ve never seen it fully assembled like it is in this photo. It’s possible that this is just a mockup, but it does match what we’ve been seeing from previous leaks.
The device shown next to the silver HTC One mini, HTC’s smaller version of the HTC One.
The blue HTC One also appears to have shown up in the wild on a train. The photo that appeared on Chinese site mobile01 shows a device that looks similar to the device that leaked out today.
HTC’s blue colored option has been rumored to be joining the red, silver and black HTC One models that have been available for weeks now and consumers seemingly now only have to wait for the company to confirm its arrival.
One possible destination is Verizon which just released the HTC One for the first time. A leaked SKU seemed to point to a blue Verizon HTC One arriving at some point in the future and while the device seen here is not the Verizon HTC One specifically, it will likely resemble a blue Verizon HTC One should one arrive on shelves.
Another possible look at the blue HTC One.
The carrier remains mum on any changes to its current HTC One which is available in silver only. A black Verizon HTC One was reportedly spotted close to launch day but the color remains unreleased.
HTC took quite awhile to offer its red colored HTC One so there could still be some time left between this leak and the arrival of the blue HTC One. One thing is clear though, this is a real device.
When it arrives, it will likely have the same hardware on board which means 4.7-inch display, quad-core processor, Ultrapixel camera and full metal design. It should also have Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board when it arrives as well as HTC plans to get the software out by the end of September.It should only be a matter of time before the blue HTC One lands somewhere, possibly as another Verizon HTC One option and thanks to two leaks, we now have a good idea about what to expect from the blue HTC One.
The blue HTC One is not a very well kept secret. We’ve seen it leak out several times in the past, culminating in today’s leak fromHubFr which showcases the blue HTC One in the wild. While we’ve seen glimpses of the blue HTC One, we’ve never seen it fully assembled like it is in this photo. It’s possible that this is just a mockup, but it does match what we’ve been seeing from previous leaks.
The device shown next to the silver HTC One mini, HTC’s smaller version of the HTC One.
The blue HTC One has been rumored for Verizon.
The blue HTC One also appears to have shown up in the wild on a train. The photo that appeared on Chinese site mobile01 shows a device that looks similar to the device that leaked out today.
HTC’s blue colored option has been rumored to be joining the red, silver and black HTC One models that have been available for weeks now and consumers seemingly now only have to wait for the company to confirm its arrival.
One possible destination is Verizon which just released the HTC One for the first time. A leaked SKU seemed to point to a blue Verizon HTC One arriving at some point in the future and while the device seen here is not the Verizon HTC One specifically, it will likely resemble a blue Verizon HTC One should one arrive on shelves.
Another possible look at the blue HTC One.
The carrier remains mum on any changes to its current HTC One which is available in silver only. A black Verizon HTC One was reportedly spotted close to launch day but the color remains unreleased.
HTC took quite awhile to offer its red colored HTC One so there could still be some time left between this leak and the arrival of the blue HTC One. One thing is clear though, this is a real device.
When it arrives, it will likely have the same hardware on board which means 4.7-inch display, quad-core processor, Ultrapixel camera and full metal design. It should also have Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board when it arrives as well as HTC plans to get the software out by the end of September.
A new HTC One Max leak suggests that the device could borrow features from both the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Apple’s rumored iPhone 5S.
The HTC One Max is rumored to be a larger version of the HTC One and a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 competitor. Rumors suggest that the phone will boast a 5.9-inch 1080p display, quad-core processor, Ultrapixel camera, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and perhaps a new version of Sense, Sense 5.5.
In addition to those features, a new leak fromETrade, complete with photos of the China Mobile version of the HTC One Max, suggests that it could come loaded with a fingerprint reader and a dual-camera mode for the device’s camera as well.
The HTC One Max could come with a fingerprint reader, a feature that is heavily rumored for the iPhone 5S.
The photos don’t show the fingerprint reader in the flesh but it’s clear that the hole on the back of the phone is likely for a fingerprint reader, something that has been heavily rumored to be one of the key features on the iPhone 5S. A fingerprint reader would presumably provide extra security for iPhone 5S and HTC One Max owners and tie in with the software on both devices.
Dual camera mode on the Galaxy S4.
They also clearly show a piece of the HTC One Max software which appears to be similar to the dual-shot camera mode found on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the upcoming LG G2. The feature allows users to use both cameras simultaneously to take a photograph.
It’s also a feature that is likely to show up on the Galaxy Note 3 as Samsung typically outfits devices with its latest TouchWiz features. Both the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 have been rumored to be getting Galaxy S4 software features so it would be surprising to see the Galaxy Note 3 left out.
The HTC One Max may get a dual-camera mode like the Galaxy S4.
The HTC One Max seen here appears to be made out of plastic and it comes with a removable back and a microSD card slot. It’s unclear if those will be coming with the variants outside of China or if those will be exclusive to China’s HTC One Max. In China, the current HTC One boasts a microSD card slot and removable back while the U.S. model does not have either.
HTC’s new One Max has been pegged for arrival in the fourth quarter and it appears that it could arrive as late as October, or, about a month after Samsung announces the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, one of its main rivals. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be released only a few weeks after its announcement on September 4th.
After several reports on Bloomberg emerged hinting that Apple would also show off its next generation iPad and iPad mini tablets at aSeptember 10 event that’s widely believed to be for the unveiling of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C smartphones, Jim Dalrymple is putting the kibosh on that story. The Loop Insight reporter says bluntly, “Nope. No iPads.” in a postresponding to Bloomberg’s story.
Most recently, Bloomberg had hinted that the new smartphones and tablets would be unveiled on the tenth of September in an article that focuses on Apple’s new retail store opening in Tokyo, Japan.
“The Cupertino, California-based company plans to introduce new versions of its phone and tablet at a Sept. 10 event,” the article says, citing “a person familiar with the matter.” Bloomberg went on to say that Apple also has “several more game changers” in the pipeline to battle rivals like Samsung.
This is the second article from the financial publication in as many weeks mentioning a refresh to Apple’s tablet. lineup. However, since the Bloomberg story had gone live, the publication had updated its article to remove references to the tablets for the September 10th event.
Though Apple had not sent out media invitations nor confirmed that it will be hosting an event on that date, a source to All Things D had earlier confirmed that the new iPhone will likely be shown off on that date at a private media event. This year, rather than just one new flagship iPhone model, Apple will be showing off also a second mid-range model in the form of the iPhone 5C. That model will come with a polycarbonate unibody back plate, rather than the premium glass and metal materials on the flagship, along with colorful hues. The iPhone 5C is expected to carry similar specs to today’s iPhone 5 and the 5C is expected to possibly replace the iPhone 5 in Apple’s new lineup where the company will be offering the iPhone 5S at the high end, followed by the 5C, and then the iPhone 4S at the entry level end.
The new iPad tablets are expected to come this fall, and in prior rumors we heard that Apple would be holding a separate event to introduce a fifth generation full-sized iPad, also referred to as the iPad 5, and also a second-generation iPad mini, referred to as the iPad mini 2. It’s unclear what the iPad mini 2 will bring to the table. Though it’s widely believed that the slate would, for the first time, accommodate a Retina Display on its 7.9-inch screen, there are conflicting rumors that Apple is ready to move to Retina Display.
Additionally, an Apple iWatch had been rumored to be coming this year in the past, but we’re hearing rumors that Apple may not be ready to debut such a product until the second half of 2014. If this is the case, rival Samsung may have up to a year of lead time on the iWatch as that company’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch is now confirmed by an executive to be coming early next month to a Berlin event in IFA. The smartwatch category may be one of the “new exciting” products that was referenced. Apple CEO Tim Cook had also hinted that much in earlier conference calls stating that Apple has new and exciting products to show off.After several reports on Bloomberg emerged hinting that Apple would also show off its next generation iPad and iPad mini tablets at aSeptember 10 event that’s widely believed to be for the unveiling of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C smartphones, Jim Dalrymple is putting the kibosh on that story. The Loop Insight reporter says bluntly, “Nope. No iPads.” in a postresponding to Bloomberg’s story.
Most recently, Bloomberg had hinted that the new smartphones and tablets would be unveiled on the tenth of September in an article that focuses on Apple’s new retail store opening in Tokyo, Japan.
“The Cupertino, California-based company plans to introduce new versions of its phone and tablet at a Sept. 10 event,” the article says, citing “a person familiar with the matter.” Bloomberg went on to say that Apple also has “several more game changers” in the pipeline to battle rivals like Samsung.
This is the second article from the financial publication in as many weeks mentioning a refresh to Apple’s tablet. lineup. However, since the Bloomberg story had gone live, the publication had updated its article to remove references to the tablets for the September 10th event.
Though Apple had not sent out media invitations nor confirmed that it will be hosting an event on that date, a source to All Things D had earlier confirmed that the new iPhone will likely be shown off on that date at a private media event. This year, rather than just one new flagship iPhone model, Apple will be showing off also a second mid-range model in the form of the iPhone 5C. That model will come with a polycarbonate unibody back plate, rather than the premium glass and metal materials on the flagship, along with colorful hues. The iPhone 5C is expected to carry similar specs to today’s iPhone 5 and the 5C is expected to possibly replace the iPhone 5 in Apple’s new lineup where the company will be offering the iPhone 5S at the high end, followed by the 5C, and then the iPhone 4S at the entry level end.
The new iPad tablets are expected to come this fall, and in prior rumors we heard that Apple would be holding a separate event to introduce a fifth generation full-sized iPad, also referred to as the iPad 5, and also a second-generation iPad mini, referred to as the iPad mini 2. It’s unclear what the iPad mini 2 will bring to the table. Though it’s widely believed that the slate would, for the first time, accommodate a Retina Display on its 7.9-inch screen, there are conflicting rumors that Apple is ready to move to Retina Display.
Additionally, an Apple iWatch had been rumored to be coming this year in the past, but we’re hearing rumors that Apple may not be ready to debut such a product until the second half of 2014. If this is the case, rival Samsung may have up to a year of lead time on the iWatch as that company’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch is now confirmed by an executive to be coming early next month to a Berlin event in IFA. The smartwatch category may be one of the “new exciting” products that was referenced. Apple CEO Tim Cook had also hinted that much in earlier conference calls stating that Apple has new and exciting products to show off.
With the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C now in focus, many consumers are likely opting to wait for those next-generation models to land. However, a small minority of shoppers is likely looking at older iPhone models including the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. In particular, buyers are going to want to avoid buying the iPhone 3GS even with its cheap price tag.
Back in 2009, the iPhone 3GS was the talk of the town as it replaced the iPhone 3G with a number of big time upgrades. The device offered a better processor, better camera, but kept the same design and screen size as the iPhone 3G.
While this may come as a surprise to many, the iPhone 3GS remains relevant to this day thanks to the fantastic software support that Apple offered up over the years.
Don’t buy the iPhone 3GS.
Last year, the arrival of the iPhone 5 ushered in the iOS 6 era of software. And despite being several years old, the iPhone 3GS, like Apple’s more recent iPhones, received the iOS 6 update. The software was not the full version of iOS 6 but it brought along some of its big features including Do Not Disturb, the new Mailbox, the new Phone App and yes, much talked about Apple Maps. The software update breathed new life into the iPhone 3GS, a device that Apple offered for free up until the arrival of the iPhone 4.
While the iPhone 3GS is no longer available through Apple, it’s still very much a smartphone option and one that is likely beckoning many of those who are looking for a new phone or a quick replacement.
We don’t recommend buying the iPhone 3GS right now or at any point in the future. Here’s why.
iPhone 5C
One of the main reasons why you’re probably looking at buying an iPhone 3GS is because it’s cheap or because you don’t care about specifications, but mainly because it’s cheap.
Newsflash, there are plenty of other cheap smartphones out there including cheap iPhones. For one, the iPhone 4 is currently being sold for free through Apple. The iPhone 4S is $99. And when the iPhone 5S arrives, we could see the iPhone 5 drop to $99 on-contract.
There are also rumors that suggest that Apple is coming out with a new cheap plastic iPhone called the iPhone 5C that may be available for as little as $400 unlocked. That’s not quite Nexus 4 territory but it’s low. It could also wind up being Apple’s cheap free on-contract device.
Unlike the iPhone 3GS, this is a device that is expected to have a 4-inch Retina Display, 8MP camera, slim design, efficient processor, Siri, and Apple’s iOS 7 update. Like the iPhone 3GS, it’s supposed to be made out of plastic, with several color options to boot.
The iPhone 5C is expected to arrive on September 10th alongside the iPhone 5S and it’s a device that prospective iPhone 3GS buyers should be waiting for thanks to its features and thanks to the fact that we should see price drops on Apple’s more recent iPhones.
No LTE
OK, so you need more convincing. Fine. First off, the iPhone 3GS does not have 4G LTE support. This means that it can’t pull down the data speeds that the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S can. We’re talking data speeds that can be as fast as home Wi-Fi speeds, but on-the-go.
The iPhone 3GS supports 7.2 Mbit/s HSDPA but that pales in comparison to the speeds that can be obtained when connected to a 4G LTE network. Before dismissing LTE, try it first, you won’t want to go back to anything else.
No Retina Display
Next, the iPhone 3GS doesn’t have a Retina Display. The iPhone 4 was the first iPhone to sport a high-resolution Retina Display and that means that movies, the web, photos are going to look worse on the iPhone 3GS.
The iPhone 3GS doesn’t have a Retina Display.
The iPhone 4 has a Retina Display. The iPhone 4S does as well. The iPhone 5C is going to have a larger 4-inch Retina Display. This may not seem like much to those that aren’t keen on smartphone specs but trust us, the Retina Display makes all the difference in the world. It’s night and day.
No Widescreen Format
The iPhone 5 introduced iPhone users to a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, something that the previous iPhone models did not have on board. What this means is that users can enjoy videos on sites like YouTube without those pesky black bars.
Having access to widescreen content, especially in a world that is heavily focused around media, is often taken for granted. But once you have it, you won’t want to go back to anything else.
Camera is Bad
Camera technology continues to evolve and the camera on the iPhone 5 puts the camera on the iPhone 3GS to shame. Photos taken with the iPhone 3GS look dated and photos taken in low-light environments look downright awful. Want to bring the iPhone 3GS camera to a concert and take some quality video of your favorite bands? Expect the sound to be distorted and crackly.
The iPhone 3GS camera simply can’t compare to cameras these days.
The iPhone 5S is expected to have a phenomenal camera and one that may even put the camera on the iPhone 5 to shame. That should push the iPhone 3GS camera down the totem pole even further.
Stuck on iOS 6
iOS 7 won’t be coming to the iPhone 3GS. Neither will iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10 and so on. The device is stuck on iOS 6, Apple’s software from 2012 and that means that users will never get the opportunity to use the company’s evolved UI, its new Camera app, its Notifications, or its new multitasking. Instead, iPhone 3GS owners will be stuck, forever, on Apple’s aging user interface and it’s most basic camera app.
iOS 6 Was Sluggish
To make matters worse, our experience with iOS 6 on the iPhone 3GS began to deteriorate in the weeks after installing the software. At first, things seemed good, improved over iOS 5. However, after using it for several weeks, the UI began to lag, applications began to crash without reason, apps took forever to open, and playing a game felt like digging a knife slowly into your thigh.
Experiences with iOS 6 vary from person to person but our experience with iOS 6 for iPhone 3GS wasn’t a good one, something to consider before jumping in with Apple’s aging iPhone.
No Siri
Love Siri or hate her, she is useful from time-to-time. Whether it’s looking up movie times, finding out a score of a sports game, or dictating something, Siri is equipped some with very useful tools.
Problem is, the iPhone 3GS has never had access to Siri and never will. And with the improvements that Apple is making to Siri in iOS 7, including returning calls and playing voicemail, this is a big feature to be missing out on.
Limited Accessories Going Forward
The iPhone 3GS doesn’t use a Lightning port. This is a problem.
The iPhone 3GS uses Apple’s older 30-pin dock standard which means that it will have limited accessories moving forward. Sure, there are still accessories out there that support the older dock standard but accessory makers are likely going to be inclined to produce new accessories that take advantage of Apple’s Lightning standard found on the iPhone 5, iPad mini and more.
Lose Access to Apps
Finally, as we’ve pointed out, developers appear to be keen on releasing apps that support iOS 7 and not iOS 6 which means that the iPhone 3GS will likely lose access to the features in some apps down the road.
There is no telling what apps might be affected but given the high percentage of developers looking to support iOS 7, it could be quite a few.
