Apple's OS 4.0 brings multitasking to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

Steve Jobs yesterday presented the new and improved v4 of the iPhone OS over in Cupertino, California, an upgrade that will bring multitasking to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad even with third-party applications.


The new OS now features a multitasking ‘dock’ that can be accessed by double-clicking the Home button. This will allow you to view and toggle between the different applications you’ve got running. However, multitasking will only be available to users of the iPhone 3GS and the latest generation of iPod touch music players, as restricted compatibility means that previous versions such as the iPhone and iPhone 3G will remain, well, monotask.

Other new features presented include a new iBooks function for the iPhone that’ll transform your mobile into an e-book reader similar to the iPad. You’ll also be able to create folders on the home screen to store all your apps, and developers will be pleased to see that iAd —Apple’s new mobile advertising platform—integrates a new system for sharing out advertising revenues.

The v4 update is due to be available ‘sometime this summer’ for iPhone and iPod touch users, or straight away for developers. However, iPad owners will have to wait until the autumn to get their upgrade.

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