Apple is expected to unveil the latest version of iOS later today, iOS 6, and now according to a recent report, Apple may end up dropping support for their original iPad in iOS 6.
On top of that, it is also possible that Apple will drop support for the third generation iPod Touch in iOS 6. This is something Apple has done previously when they dropped support for older iPod Touches and the original iPhone with a major release of iOS 5.
If this report is correct, then the devices supported by iOS 6 would include the iPad 2, and the newer iPad 3, along with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S as well as the more recent versions of Apple’s iPod Touch.
Impact on Original iPad Users
Dropping support for the original iPad means that users of this device will not be able to upgrade to iOS 6. This could have several implications. Firstly, users will miss out on new features and improvements that come with iOS 6. Secondly, app developers may start to focus on the newer iOS versions, which could result in fewer app updates and new apps being available for the original iPad. This could eventually make the device less functional over time as more apps require the newer iOS versions to run.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Apple has a history of phasing out support for older devices with new iOS releases. For example, with the release of iOS 5, Apple dropped support for the original iPhone and older iPod Touch models. This strategy allows Apple to focus on optimizing the software for newer hardware, ensuring better performance and the ability to introduce more advanced features. However, it also means that users of older devices need to consider upgrading their hardware to continue enjoying the latest software advancements.
Apple now offers two versions of the iPad, the iPad 2 and iPad 3. The iPad 2 was released in March 2011, featuring a dual-core A5 chip, while the iPad 3, released in March 2012, introduced the Retina display and a more powerful A5X chip. These hardware improvements make the newer iPads more capable of handling the demands of iOS 6.
For those considering an upgrade, it’s worth looking at the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3. The iPad 3’s Retina display offers a significantly better visual experience, and the improved processing power can handle more demanding applications and multitasking more efficiently.
Source Brief Mobile
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