iPhone 4 users are in for a disappointment this fall when they upgrade their devices to iOS 6. They won’t be able to use the turn-by-turn directions, or Flyover in the new Maps application. Those features will be limited to the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and third-generation iPad.
AppleInsiderBoth the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS lack the ability to offer turn-by-turn navigation or the new Flyover feature in iOS 6 Maps, despite the fact that both devices will be compatible with iOS 6 when it launches this fall.
This information comes from Apple’s official preview page for Maps in iOS 6. A footnote on the page says the “Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or later.” Also noted is that “some features may not be available in all countries or all areas.”
Siri functionality with Apple’s new Maps app will also be limited to devices that offer the personal assistant software. Currently that is only the iPhone 4S, however the third-generation iPad will gain that ability with the fall launch of iOS 6.
The turn-by-turn feature of the new native Maps application in iOS 6 includes spoken directions, a 3D view, and real-time traffic information. The new app was built from the ground up by Apple, and no longer uses Google Maps.
The new Flyover feature, which uses advanced 3D mapping data, will also be limited to the newer hardware. In addition, it will only be available in cities where 3D models have been created to offer detailed renderings in real time.
