Apple brings extra features to the iPhone 3 GS

The old iPhone 3GS would be the lowest-end Apple handset to continue seeing support for any new OS.

When Apple announced iOS 6, we learned that, just as it was the case with iOS 5, the old iPhone 3 GS would be the lowest-end Apple handset to continue seeing support. Just because iOS 6 is coming to the 3 GS doesn’t mean it will be a complete experience, though, and Apple’s revealed a number of features, like the Flyover mode in the new Maps, that the 3 GS just lacks the muscle to pull off. In a bit of a pleasant surprise, though, Apple has now eased-off on that list of just what won’t make the 3 GS cut.

Previously, Apple had been saying on its iOS 6 preview page that the 3GS wouldn’t end up seeing support for shared Photo Streams, nor VIP mail features. Mention of those limitations has since been removed. While we focused our look at yesterday’s arrival of iOS 6 beta 3 on changes that would be present across all models supporting the platform, developers who have been testing the new OS with 3GS handsets have since confirmed that these features are now indeed present.

We wouldn’t hold our breath in hopes of seeing the 3GS get turn-by-turn directions or anything, but it’s great to see Apple still spending a little time to make iOS 6 as capable as possible, even on its older hardware.