Apple iOS 8 has compatibility and customization challenges

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has to face many new challenges following the launch of iOS 8 mobile software at Worldwide Developers Conference, this week. One of the key challenge would be the inability to support iPhone 4.

According to reports, Apple iOS 8 operating system will not come to iPhone 4 and older models due to the processor infrastructure as the iPhone 4 handset comes with the A4 chipset, while its iPhone 4s variant comes with Apple A5 chipset that could support the new software.

That means, iOS 8 can work on Apple’s recent smartphones – iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. And if Apple launches new iPhone 6, either single variant or 2 different variants (one of them could be the large screen “phablet“), the company will make use of the newly launched platform to be used with the software, in full extent.

If you have current Apple iPad models, then you don’t need to worry about availability of new software.As all those tablets from iPad 2 boasts CPU infrastructure from A5 and above, the software will be supporting the devices without any issues. That means, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Mini, iPad Mini with Retina Display and the iPad Air supports iOS 8. The tablets with A4 chipset was cornered in 2012 when Apple launched iOS 6. It’s also reported that Apple iPod Touch 5th generation can see the new software installed in it.

Meanwhile, it looks like Apple is moving towards a radical design change with Microsoft’s Windows-like design and UI (don’t expect a Metro or Modern UI, ever!) and the company could enhance the compatibility between the two different systems – mobile devices (iPhone/iPad) and computers (MacBooks and Mac desktops).

Whether you like it or not, Apple has more challenge in adding much customization as Google did with its Android platform. Apple users are expecting the same in the coming large update to the firmware. The third-party apps and widgets section should be reconsidered for the customization and the Notification Center should also feature some customization , at least with rearranging ability.

There are plenty of options out there in current iOS version, but the users feels that it lacks customization, especially after looking at the ability of Android platform. Meanwhile, Android is the largest mobile OS and fastest growing too. Apple has to do many things, not only adding new smartphone users, but also lure in Android fans too.

What’s your expectation from the new Apple iOS 8 software for its mobile devices?

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