I'm using iphone 3gs A1303 ios 3.1.3 can upgrade to ios 6?

KiltedTim wrote:

Apple can no longer service it at all if it has a hardware problem.

Not quite accurate. Apple will still service an Original iPhone: Apple - Support - Service Answer Center

Out-of-warranty repair service
If your repair isn’t covered by Apple’s One Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or AppleCare Protection Plan, your iPhone might be eligible for out-of-warranty service. For example, liquid damage isn’t covered by warranty but might be eligible for out-of-warranty service. Some damage isn’t eligible at all, for example if your device has been broken into multiple pieces. See Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions for complete details.
Read Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions

Plus a $6.95 shipping fee, if required. Fees are in USD and exclude local tax. Pricing is for service through Apple. The final service fee we charge will be determined during testing and may be less than the service fee listed above. Pricing and terms vary for service through an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

If you have the device connected to iTunes and click on Check for Updates, it should show an update is available if you actually have a 3GS. Even an iPhone 3G would show an update being available. The 3G would update to iOS 4.2.1, and the 3GS should show an update to iOS 6.1.x

That model number is the original iPhone. Does it have an aluminum colored and black plastic back? That would be why you are only getting iOS 3.1.3. That is the last iOS that can be used on that device. Interesting that you still have an operating original iPhone. Is this what it looks like?

Yes. Plug it into your computer running iTunes and update it through iTunes. If you were syncing it on a regular basis as designed, you should have been informed of numerous updates available over the years as they became available.

Can someone help with this one? I synched updated etc. my iPhone 3GS with the latest version of iTunes on my Win7 PC. ITunes showed all is up to date. I have firmware 04.05.04_G and iOS 3.1.3. What am I missing? Doesn't iTunes automatically look at. It and say. "You need new firmware and iOS 6?" How can I get the firm and software updated via iTunes or Apple and not some bizarro third party "I wanna be a genius" chat?

That would have been a good idea... FYI: That model is completely obsolete. Apple can no longer service it at all if it has a hardware problem. In addition, you need to be aware that most carriers are in the process of shutting down their old EDGE networks entirely to re-use the bandwidth. Within the next year or two, depending on where you live, you will no longer be able to get phone service on it at all.

Sorry.

That document is out of date. The original iPhone was end-of-life'd on June 11 2013. Apple can no longer service or replace it. There may be some exceptions if you can find an Apple Store that still has one on the shelf in the service department. Once those are gone, that's it. They're gone for good.

KiltedTim wrote:

That document is out of date. The original iPhone was end-of-life'd on June 11 2013. Apple can no longer service or replace it. There may be some exceptions if you can find an Apple Store that still has one on the shelf in the service department. Once those are gone, that's it. They're gone for good.

If Apple cannot replace a device with an identical model, then they will often offer to upgrade to the next available model within the same OOW fee category, unless it has been officially listed as obsolete, as with some iPod models. Me personally, I wouldn't spend $149 to get an Original iPhone replaced; I'd just use that towards another, newer device. But the option is still currently available.

Chris, before I try again, after 2 and agains, it's a Model MA712LL. does that make any difference? And should I worry about the claims of the update bunking up my speed and heating up my GS?

That is the original iPhone model, which can not be upgraded beyond 3.1.3.

Yes gentlemen, That's my phone. Thanks for clearing up the confusion. I relied on the seller's description and should have wiki'd the model information before I started this. Before I bought it.

It'll probably be a LONG time before I have to worry about the "phone" part of the iPhone. My Samsung handles most of my needs.

I just wanted a cool pocket Apple that wouldn't break the bank.

Well, I think you have found out everything you need to know. Good luck.