Apple unveils iPhone OS 4, includes multitasking

Apple has finally unveiled the latest iPhone software update, the iPhone OS 4. Set for release this summer, the new OS will add multitasking feature, social gaming network, enhanced mail application, interactive advertisement, and iBooks, among others. More after the jump.

Apple has finally unveiled the latest iPhone software update, the iPhone OS 4. Set for release this summer, the new OS will add multitasking feature, social gaming network,enhanced mail application, interactive advertisement, and iBooks, among others. Notable features of the upcoming OS update includes:

• Multitasking for third party apps
• Spell check
• Bluetooth keyboard support
• User-defined wallpaper
• Tap to focus when recording video
• Playlist creation and nested playlists.
• Folders to better organize and access apps
• Improved Mail with a unified inbox, fast inbox switching and threaded messages
• Enhanced Enterprise support with even better data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution and more
• Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform
• Game Center
• iBooks, the delightful new ebook reader and online bookstore recently debuted on the iPad.

Just a little note though, the Multitasking feature will only be available for iPhone 3GS or third generation iPod touch (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB). Older models like the iPhone 3G and below won’t be getting the feature because as Steve Jobs says, “the hardware doesn’t support it.”

For members of the iPhone Developer Program, the iPhone OS 4 beta software and SDK is now available at developer.apple.com. The update will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer, with the iPad release set this Fall.