iphone 3GS not recognizing iOS 5 update

[SusanRC]

I have a 3GS that I purchased for my granddaughter to use until her upgrade time next January. I read everywhere that the 3GS is compatible with the iOS 5 and soon to be released iOS 6 which is why I purchased that particular version ... but itunes keeps telling me that the software is up-to-date and it is 4.x.x so I'm not sure what I need to do to update the software on the 3GS. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[chscag]

What version of OS X are you running on your computer and which version of iTunes do you have? The iPhone 3GS according to Apple can be updated to iOS 5.1.1 and then later on to 6.0 when it's released.

[bobtomay]

I believe iTunes 10.5 minimum is required to sync iOS 5.
Am not sure if that has gone up with the latest iOS 5.1.1.
Once you get to iOS 5, you'll be able to upgrade via wifi instead of having to connect to your computer.

[SusanRC]

I have OS X 10.8 and iTunes 10.6.3 ... Not sure what is going on ... I've never had a problem before with my 3 other iPhone accounts all updating ... I'm going to try again today ...

[dtravis7]

I own and use a 3GS and it works great with IOS 5.1.1. It has to be some thing with your iTunes version.