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iOS 6 Not Coming to Original iPad

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Apple has announced iOS 6 for the iPhone, iPad and the iPod touch but the software won’t be coming to all versions of those devices. Specifically, those who own the original iPad won’t be getting the update.

While Apple announced that the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch, iPad 2 and the third-generation iPad would be getting the update, the company confirmed that the original iPad, released in 2010, would not be getting the bump from iOS 5 to the new iOS 6.

Obviously, this isn’t good news for owners of Apple’s original tablet as iOS 6 will be bringing lots of new features to the slate.

One of those features is the inclusion of Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant software, which will be able to bring up everything from directions to movie times to sports scores, just by using voice commands.

It’s a feature that was left out of iOS 5 for the iPad as it has been an exclusive iPhone 4S feature since the phone launched back in October of last year.

iOS 6 will also come with a number of other features including a new Maps service, Facebook integration which will be baked into Siri as well, FaceTime over cellular networks and shared PhotoStreams.

It’s a big upgrade over iOS 5 which Apple released alongside the iPhone 4S last year.

Apple doesn’t sell the original iPad anymore opting to sell the third-generation iPad and the iPad 2 at a discount instead. It does however offer the original iPad refurbished and it often is available for cheap.

While iOS 6 is probably not a deal killer for some, it definitely might be for others.

30 Comments

30 Comments

  1. Not Happy

    06/12/2012 at 11:07 am

    I want my money back from Apple. I purchased an Ipad 1 and when I did they did not tell me that they would stop updating it so soon. I was going to purchase an Apple laptop. NOT NOW! Why would I? Are they going to tell me in a year that they no longer support that lap top? Steve Jobs told us it was a magical device but all I think I got was a rotten apple. I made the mistake of biting into an apple and got nothing but a worm.

  2. Will Poindexter

    06/18/2012 at 11:32 am

    My recent feedback to Apple…

    Upon till around 1990 I was a huge Apple fan. Then corporate Apple decided to screw the Apple II users and stop supporting them and concentrate solely on Mac users. 1991 I bought my first PC and never thought about Apple again…that is until the iPod came out. That led to the iTouch (as my son call’s it “the gateway drug into becoming an Apple Lemming”), to the 3GS, the iPad, the the iPhone 4, and now the new 4s. I am a professional photographer and a lot of my friends were using Macs to process their imagery. I decided to buy a used MacBook Pro in June of 2011 and have since then converted my entire photography workflow to Mac. I also have a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and spent nearly 30 years in the military working on a wide variety of computer systems. I have pretty good technical background with it comes to processors and operating systems. SO, I’m VERY disappointed to see that iOS 6 is not going to be available for 1st generation iPads. How can the iPhone 3Gs processor support iOS6, if even in a limited manner, and not the 1st generation iPad? I had prepared a list of how the 1st generation iPad was far superior to the 3GS in terms of processing power and other attributes. BUT, you already know this! This is clearly marketing to motivate 1st generation users to upgrade. I’m not sure which economy you’re watching but the one most of us live in does not permit us to drop $400-$700 every year. And really, I know corporate Apple could care less because for every person like me who KNOWS we are getting screwed again, there are hundreds of people who are going to rush out and get the latest—just because. Apple customer loyalty is probably the highest of any company today. It would be nice to see corporate Apple throw a little of the loyalty back to it’s customers. I urge you to reconsider the decision not to support the 1st generation iPads with iOS 6. Funny thing, the decision to discontinue support for the Apple II coincided with Steve Jobs being ousted from Apple. Now, another pivotal decision (IMHO) has been made—to discard those of us who help bring in the tablet revolution. Those were dark days for Apple during the absents of Steve at the helm. As much as some would like to think of Steve as the new messiah, news flash—he will not be coming to the rescue of Apple this time.

    • Sam Towers

      06/18/2012 at 11:59 am

      Will, I broadly agree with you that it’s silly for iOS 6 to support the iPhone 3GS while not running on the original iPad, however I have a few problems with your take on this. Firstly, there is an important distinction to make between the original iPad and the iPhone 3GS: the iPhone 3GS is still sold by Apple; whereas the original iPad is a discontinued product. Secondly, the original iPad went on sale in early 2010, and is going to stop receiving software updates in late 2012. Thirty-six months of support is more than you will get on any Android tablet, I guarantee you. And finally, while it is possible for someone to have bought the original iPad one year ago and now find it unsupported, those people were buying hardware which was already nearly two years old at the time. Such people are unlikely, in my opinion, to be hugely bothered by how up-to-date their stuff is. If you bought a two-year old device and are now complaining about its obsolescence I’m afraid I have limited sympathy for you.

      P.S. I advice you to drop the religious metaphors and accusations of cult behaviour. They’re massive cliches.

      • John

        08/05/2012 at 6:09 am

        This is a load of crap. When the ipad was released, they tried to act like it will replace the PC and went on all about its benefits. How is something not being supported less than 3 years later a positive? How is that different than PCs that need to be upgraded over time? Oh wait I know…with PCs, you can still use a newer OS on a computer that is older than 3 years so in this case the ipad is worse.

        Amusing people will see this and not see how much a slap in the face it is from Apple yet nobody should be surprised given this company is a horrible company and everyone but the Apple zealots realizes this. There are over 17 million ipad 1 units out in the wild and this is just a clear ploy to try and get people to buy the newest ipad which no doubt probably will be “obsolete” (in terms of OS support) within a couple years. Expect the ipad 2 to be dropped within 12-16 months adding to another few tens of millions of owners to be screwed.

        I have an ipad 1 and because of this along with the fact iOS is a piece of crap OS, I will never buy another Apple product again though I got this for a gift (along with an app store gift card which still has a balance) so technically I haven’t given that chump company a dime which is good to know. Not a big fan of a company telling me I am not worthy to keep getting OS updates because my device is a whopping 2.5 years old.

        As for your Android tablet comparison…how about we see if the Nexus 7 still gets updates after 2 years seeing as that is the apples to apples comparison here. I own a Nexus 7 and it destroys the ipad in almost every way simply because of how superior Jelly Bean is to iOS. I laugh at people who prefer iOS and think it is better. Hilarious.

      • dion

        08/04/2013 at 4:09 pm

        Yeah..now my Orig IPAD is a thousand dollar brick. Mines 64 gig, with cell phone. The MOST expensive one to get. Now this BS of no upgrade path? Thats it no more Apple for me. Not even that I will tell everyone as much as I can about this little ‘oversight’.
        Hey wait I have my original Newton which was like $700 new. Maybe I should use it,,

    • Jonathan

      08/18/2012 at 9:48 am

      Only problem is, the original IPad doesn’t have a camera, making most of these software upgrades irrelevant to us who own it.

      • James

        06/10/2013 at 10:31 pm

        Camera feature in iOS6, iOS7 and beyond are just one feature.

        There are THOUSANDS of bug and security fixes and other improvements which are not CPU intensive.

        People who are so joyous over the fact that each new iOS is abandoning the earlier devices should also realised that their latest and fastest iPhone 5 / 5s and iPad 4 / 5 will also be abandon, sooner than they think.

        Shame on Apple!!

    • JustinCalif

      09/22/2012 at 9:23 am

      Hey Poindexter… pull your head out of your *&^… 1990? Apple II? What era do you honestly live in?

  3. S Lee

    07/28/2012 at 8:41 pm

    The deal killer is the lack of street view which is enormously useful to me.
    Siri is capable of running on any iPad, yet its left out.
    Abandoning customers after only 2 years is not a bright idea.
    Apple pushes and restrains their customer base too much.
    Blogging about their own products under fake accounts will only get them so far.

  4. John McLean

    09/15/2012 at 7:40 am

    Not being able to update the software on an old ipad will render the inbuilt security null and void! I wouldn’t use my credit card on an old device with a bullet riddled web browser. Looks like this Apple really is rotten!

  5. elatour

    09/18/2012 at 8:57 pm

    My recent feedback to Apple on this:

    Hi,

    My family owns an original iPad 64GB w/3G, an iPad 2 64GB w/3G, an iPhone 3GS 16GB, an iPhone 4S 16GB, and an Apple TV, and I have been directly responsible for the promotion and purchase of two iPad 2 devices (16GB w/3G and 64GB w/3G), for my mother and mother in-law respectively in the last year.

    I am currently planning to upgrade my current iPhone 3GS to an iPhone 5 64GB and am buying my daugther a large screen high-end iMac in the coming month. Having said that, for reasons I am about to elaborate on below, I am seriously reconsidering my decision to proceed with those imminent or future purchases of Apple products.

    I was dismayed to find out today that iOS 6 will not be made available for my original iPad making it obsolete within a matter of months.

    I have been an early adopter, supporter and promoter of your iPad since purchassing it weeks after it was made available in 2010.

    It is outrageous and unacceptable to me that that only two years later, my original iPad should be made obsolete by Apple’s decision not release iOS 6 for it, which let’s face it, will invarriably mean that within months, I will no longer be able to buy or upgrade many apps for it going forward, not because they could never run on my device or make use of specific hardware or performance only available or possible on newer iPad models, but simply because these have been written specifically for and/or tested only for iOS 6 by the developper and coded to check for and install/upgrade only this iOS version.

    I am ready to accept a slight performance degradation and that some applications will not run on my older iPad over time because of an OS upgrade, that’s the price of progress and innovation, and I applaud Apple’s constant need to push the envelope on what is possible with technology and deliver simple, smart and quality products, but I would not have expected my iPad to have been made disposable only two years after having purchassed it. Frankly, I do not think I would would not have purchassed this and other Apple products if I ever thought that you would eventually treat these as dispoable devices to be thrown away and replaced by newer models every two years. This is not good for the environment OR consumers.

    I was also surprised to hear that iOS 6 will support my iPhone 3GS, which I would have expected would have been the case for a product that is after all about 4 years old and which I am planning to replace with an iPhone 5, but not my original iPad, which is only 2 years old. At least my iPhone 3GS can do more than just run apps, browser the Internet and deal with e-mail, given that it’s a pphone, but unfortunately that’s pretty much all that my iPad does, so without the ability to install new or upgrade existing apps, it pretty much means that it will become more useful as a paper weight than what it was intended for – a platform to consume and/or create content.

    Having said that, please explain what you plan to do for the millions of people like me who purchased your original iPad and also likely own your newer iPad models as well as other complementory Apple products, to ensure that their original iPad does not end up a boat anchor or paper weight in the next few months.

    At the very least, I would expect you to publically explain your rationale for not releasing iOS 6 for these iPads. Ideally, I would like to see an announcement that an iOS version 6.0x update would be made available for these iPads in the next 6 months, but barring that pssibility, even a token offer of trade-in/buy-back/discount would go a long way to acknowledge the position you’re putting original iPad owners in and convincing me that I should continue to support, promote, buy and use your products.

    Given Apple’s previous reposnse to client concerns, I don’t think any of this feedback will make any difference, but I had to at least communicate my feelings on the matter the the consequences in my case and likely in that of many original iPad owners.

    • Peter Monck

      09/21/2012 at 5:35 am

      I absolutely agree with that which is above. In this day and age it is irresponsible to put a 2 yr old device on the scrap heap. I am also a heavy Apple user, having invested significantly over the last couple of years. My loyalty is being strained and while I was considering donating my iPad 1 to my daughter and replacing it with a new one, I’m not so sure. Who is to say that the new one will not be obsolete in 2 years time? That is a seriously bad rate of return.

      I may be naive, but I do expect to be ‘looked after’ by a high end company such as we are discussing here. That is one aspect behind such an investment. The bean-counters have taken over, and as a result in not too distant future, negative effects will be felt and seen.

  6. GrumpyMonkeyPants

    09/19/2012 at 8:24 am

    So does the original iPad break and not run at all because it can’t run iOS6? No. Then shut up. You can still use your device the same way you are using it today.

    • Rob Westbrook

      09/20/2012 at 9:46 am

      If you can no longer update the apps you’ve bought because the iPad doesn’t have iOS6, then yes, it breaks the original iPad’s functionality I can’t use it the same way..

      • Coninewern

        09/23/2012 at 4:02 am

        On PC’s when you wan’t upgrade commercial OS or other software to new version you have to pay. Windows, Mac OS X (update is much cheaper than windows but still not free). The exception is Linux which is free and many other free software so you can but tablet with linux and you will be “free”. I belive that if there will be security flaw in iOS 5 you will recieve update. Free upgrade to iOS 6 is a gift from apple not something mandatory.

        You can use your iPad in same way. Developers will be supporting iOS 5 for sure as they want you to but their soft so you can update apps you bought. And also there are many iPad 2 users that will not be albe to use Siri, Fly-over and some other iOS functions.

        Why most people think that Apple or other company have to give them something for free? You re buying hardware/software as is without warranty that they will add more features to it. They have only to fix it if something does not work as was in contract. (It is even mentioned that you should backup your 3rd party apps on your in iTunes own because they don’t have to provide app in the version you like and latest version may not work as you expect).

        In other words think before you buy something and dont believe that corporations care about individuals. They care of most consumers – especially those who pay lot of money (buying newest hardware).

        • Michael Bromilow

          02/04/2013 at 12:28 am

          The iPad 2 does get flyover and other functions of iOS 6, only missing function is Siri

    • Tracy B.

      10/21/2012 at 9:04 pm

      Most apps eventually ask & require an upgrade like Netflix did to me today. It can’t upgrade & is now a grey screen for me so it doesn’t work & I can’t use a service I pay for! Plus for me I can hardly find any apps that don’t need the OS6 so it is becoming a paper weight to me also.

  7. Tod

    09/19/2012 at 1:48 pm

    I was waiting to try out ios 6 on my original iPad before turning in my 2 year Droid X for a new iPhone. I’m a heavy google maps user so I wanted to check things out before making the switch. I’m not unhappy with my droid but figured I’d give the iPhone a try. Now I’m not so sure, definitely won’t be ordering tonight.

  8. Scott Plunkett

    09/20/2012 at 4:26 pm

    That’s funny, it’s like my Original iPad is now a giant paper weight….a $700.00 paper weight. This is ridiculous, and to think I was going to buy the new iPhone…pshh…I am done with Apple. And for those of you thinking that this isn’t bad at all, I am guessing you own a newer iPad, don’t you?

    • Coninewern

      09/23/2012 at 4:14 am

      Be careful with Android also. I bought HTC Hero on it’s release and felt abadoned 1year later. Back then Android even not allowed me to buy any paid apps in my country. Many games are not working on other than mainstreem Android phones/tablets because of hardware. Fe. Gameloft games are ot working on ASUS Transformer because they don’t support Tegra chipset.

      PS. I don’t have new iPad. I have iPhone 3GS with iOS 5 (there is nothing very big in iOS 6 for those devices anyway). I’m happy with it. The one thing I would change in it is camera. Apple should make it pluggable and release upgrade for free ;)

  9. J. Ashurst

    09/21/2012 at 4:42 am

    I guess Apple sees us as part of the 47% who are dependent upon them!  Apple’s job is not to worry about these people—They’ll never convince us that we should take personal responsibility for owning a 2.5 year old iPad.

  10. Mike

    09/21/2012 at 7:47 pm

    I can only say one word…CRAP
    I like Apple products just don’t like being screwed. Seems like a lot to be obsolete in 2 years. Yikes…

  11. Stefan

    09/25/2012 at 1:52 am

    Suckers ! Why not for ipad 1 ! Idiots !

  12. Bob

    09/26/2012 at 12:15 am

    This is one the reasons why these devices should be heavily taxed, 3 years and the land fields will be pilling up with all this electronic garbage. It is ridiculous.

    • Cate

      09/28/2012 at 11:20 am

      Maybe you should look into e-recycling, instead of dumping and help save the environment; rather than complaining online =)

  13. Kevin

    09/28/2012 at 12:02 pm

    I have around $8,000 worth of Apple products in my family and was happy until the news.

    I am not happy about discarding all my saved games, non transferable data, lose out on in app purchases, start anew on online games which uses your device ID, settings and what not. There should be an option.

    For the fanboys, I have purchased enough apps on the store where they are supposed to support iPad’s and they crash repeatedly. The same app runs smoothly on the iPad 3’s. They are forcing you to move to the latest. My PC for 5 years can be upgraded hardware wise and software wise to run all current games without losing anything. I can’t say the same for Apple.

    I’m going Samsung as Apple are now just arrogant. Samsung, my next $8,000 goes to you.

  14. Cheryl Moore

    10/01/2012 at 7:01 pm

    I am also PO’D.. I purchased my Ipad 1 and then 3-4 weeks later, 2 was released.. And was unable to return and get the 2.. I came to terms with that and now.. I can not update it.. What a bunch of crap.. I purchased a Macbook pro less than a year ago and was thinking with this years taxes getting the newest Ipad but if that is what happens in less than 3 years. I will not be doing so

  15. Dracovore

    10/14/2012 at 6:55 pm

    Apple, the “progressive” company. In a time where people should be more eco-concious, apple is suggesting we throw away our 2 year old products that are more than capable of running that new update. Even if we can only benefit from a few of the features, we should still get it. I’d understand if it didn’t have the potential, but it DOES.

  16. Klem Kadiddlehopper

    12/09/2012 at 10:23 am

    Never had a problem with ,y iPad 1 until it upgraded to IOS 5.1.1. Things just started crashing for no reason. I think Apple deliberately put flaws in the IOS to force us to purchase a newer model. Nope, not me! Won’t get fooled again.

  17. James

    06/10/2013 at 10:32 pm

    People who are so joyous over the fact that each new iOS is abandoning the earlier devices should also realised that their latest and fastest iPhone 5 / 5s and iPad 4 / 5 will also be abandon, sooner than they think.

    Shame on Apple!!

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