iOS is getting fragmented. More devices to support with major iPhone hardware differences (0-2 cameras, no telephony - 3G - CDMA), screen resolutions (original, double, iPad) and especially more older operating system versions out in the wild.
To reach as many users as possible you have to check whether something exists before you try to use it. Customizing code based on iOS version number is possible, but there are other ways to do it.