We are hearing today that Apple [AAPL] are working on their latest iPhone OS numbered 4.0. The new OS still has a way to go before being launched, but it seems like multitasking is going to be included for 3rd party apps. Currently there are a few apps built by Apple that can multi task such as email and iPod to name a couple.
The current OS 3.x does multitask, but 3rd party apps are prevented artificially for various reasons such as security. If they open it up there could be problems with applications accessing other applications etc…
Other problems caused with multitasking are to do with memory assignment and battery life. When applications are loaded up there has to be some communication between apps on what memory allocations can be used. Also battery life suffers having to handle the extra CPU load.
As Apple will want to keep their OS super smooth at running and without glitches, it makes sense that they have delated multitasking this long, although it would be good to see it launched and see it done right.
More details of the iPhone and multitasking can be found over at Apple Insider. Also on a side note, it’s also interesting to point out that the Apple iPad would also probably benefit if we do see multitasking in iPhone OS 4.0.
I believe this one feature should be from the first version.. Though I hope its not a rumor..