iPhone 3GS to receive Shared Photo Streams and VIP Mail with iOS 6 update

Towards the middle of last month, after Apple previewed iOS 6, it was revealed that all the features of the upcoming Apple OS would not work on a range of older iOS devices. With the fine print now coming to light, we have a fairer idea of which devices will get what. It was mentioned earlier that some features, such as Shared Photo Streams and VIP Mail, will be supported only on the iPhone 4 and later. There was no mention of the iPhone 3GS getting these new features. However, it seems Apple has had a change of heart, and with the release of the third beta of iOS 6, the fourth-generation iPhone will now be included in devices that receive Photo Streams and VIP Mail.

Apple extends feature list to iPhone 3GS

As per a report by MacRumors, “Apple has improved feature support for the iPhone 3GS, adding shared Photo Streams and VIP mail filtering. The change was noticed by a number of iPhone 3GS users, and Apple has confirmed the removal of those restrictions on its iOS 6 preview page.” The report goes on to add, “While the iOS 6 preview page previously contained eight footnotes outlining various restrictions on features, that number has been reduced to six following the release of iOS 6 Beta 3.”

Here's a look at the updated feature list of iOS 6 and what devices it will be supported on:

• Some features may not be available in all countries or all areas. Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or later. Cellular data charges may apply.
• Siri will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad (3rd generation) and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.
• FaceTime over a cellular network requires iPhone 4S or iPad (3rd generation) with cellular data capability. Carrier data charges may apply. FaceTime is not available in all countries.
• Offline Reading List will be available on iPhone 4 or later and iPad 2 or later.
• Made for iPhone hearing aids require iPhone 4S.
• Find My Friends and Find My iPhone enable you to locate iOS devices only when they are on and connected to a registered Wi-Fi network or have an active data plan. Not available in all areas.

It is believed that Apple will release their next big iOS upgrade when they launch the iPhone 5. If reports are to be believed, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5 by August 7, 2012. The next iPhone is expected to feature a major design overhaul and is said to be much bigger, measuring 58.47 mm wide, 123.83 mm high and 7.6 mm thin with a four-inch display. It is also expected that the size of the dock has been reduced drastically and is much smaller; it is said to be similar to the size of a micro USB port.