With the release of iOS 6 later this fall, users of the iPhone 3GS or later, iPad 2 or later and iPod touch (4th generation) will receive the free update. Previous generation models are not supported. Some devices will not receive all of the features of iOS 6. To help guide you through the maze of features and supported devices, we present you with this handy iOS 6 compatibility matrix. iOS 6 is currently in beta, so it is entirely possible that a final release will offer increased support for older models. We’ll update this regularly, should we hear any changes.
Written By 
Funny how Apple NEVER! Mention compatibility issues. Fact is ios 6 is clearly for 4s and iPhone 5! Ridiculous.
You are categorically incorrect on this. Apple outlined what features were available on which device right on the iOS 6 features page. Sure it isn’t as detailed as this, but it specifically states what does and doesn’t work.
And of course some of the new whiz bang features are on their newer devices, but they could have cut out much more from the 4 and the 3GS. Sure certain things would be nice, but Apple is being far more accommodating than many other technology companies are.
I think you need to read again what I said!
I said apple never mentioned compatibility issues when the unveiled back in June or July. It’s all very well putting it on a web page months later I would have preferred apple being less about marketing hype and actually mentioned facts and reality.
“E-mail sent via Iphone!”
Of course they didn’t stand up on stage and say “HAHAHA YOU PEOPLE WITH OLD PHONES GET CRAP!”
no, that would have been stupid and a bad marketing decision for them.
Instead the moment they launched it on the site, they outlined what was or was not compatible with the various phones. Siri was never on the 4, so none of the Siri features (including turn by turn) would have transferred. The fact that the 3GS gets anything is amazing. And the fact that they get so much is also impressive. They don’t get the processor intensive stuff, Apple learned their lesson with the 3G and iOS 4, look at the hell that rained down on them.
I do however ONLY don’t get the 4 being restricted from FaceTime over 3G. Why that doesn’t work I won’t know. But everything else is logical and makes sense. Apple is providing a lot of prior support for their older phones, while still leaving some enticing features to their newer devices. They could have limited shared photo streams, VIP mail, etc… But they didn’t.
1 hour later, iOS6 shows in itunes as my software being updated. Full sync in progress, not much longer.
Passbook will only install to iPhones