iOS 4 Software Update - Full Changelog, Device Compatibility, Requirements

In a manner not typical to the Cupertino, California-based Apple, the iOS 4 Software Update has been posted to the Support Downloads area of the Apple.com website, complete with IPSW file information, system requirements, compatible devices and, of course, the complete release notes.

These are all reproduced below in a more comprehensive (visible) manner for our readers. Additionally, a step-by-step guide for downloading and installing the new software is made available at the bottom of this report.

iOS 4 Software Update

iOS 4 IPSW Firmware Bundle file size

· iPod touch 2nd Gen (330.3 MB); · iPod touch 3rd Gen (384.2 MB); · iPhone 3G (306.3 MB); · iPhone 3GS (396.3 MB).

System Requirements · Mac computer with USB 2.0 port; · Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later; · iTunes 9.2 or later. Note: Although Apple doesn't mention Windows as a requirement, those using a PC running Microsoft's operating system can download and install the new iOS 4 just as well, by following the exact same steps.

iOS 4 Supported Devices

· iPod touch 2nd generation; · iPod touch 3rd generation (late 2009 models with 32GB or 64GB); · iPhone 3G; · iPhone 3GS; · iPhone 4.

iOS 4 Supported Languages

Deutsch, English, Français, Español, Italiano, Nederlands, Dansk, Norsk Bokmål, Polski, Português, Português Brasileiro, Pусский, Suomi, Svensk, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Slovak, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian.

iOS 4 Software Update Official Release Notes

• Multitasking support for third-party apps*

- Multitasking user interface to quickly move between apps; - Support for audio apps to play in the background; - VoIP apps can receive and maintain calls in the background or when device is asleep; - Apps can monitor location and take action while running in the background; - Alerts and messages can be pushed to apps using push and local notifications; - Apps can complete tasks in the background.

• Folders to better organize and access apps

• Home screen Wallpaper*

• Mail improvements - Unified inbox to view emails from all accounts in one place; - Fast inbox switching to quickly switch between different email accounts; - Threaded messages to view multiple emails from the same conversation; - Attachments can be opened with compatible third-party apps; - Search results can now be filed or deleted; - Option to select size of photo attachments; - Messages in the Outbox can be edited or deleted.

• Support for iBooks and iBookstore (available from the App Store)

• Photo and Camera improvements - 5x digital zoom when taking a photo**; - Tap to focus during video recording**; - Ability to sync Faces from iPhoto; - Geo-tagged photos appear on a map in Photos.

• Ability to create and edit playlists on device

• Calendar invitations can be sent and accepted wirelessly with supported CalDAV servers

• Support for MobileMe calendar sharing

• Enhanced location privacy - New Location Services icon in the status bar; - Indication of which apps have requested your location in the last 24 hours; - Location Services can be toggled on or off for individual apps.

• Automatic spellcheck

• Support for Bluetooth keyboards*

• iPod out to navigate music, podcasts and audiobooks through an iPod interface with compatible cars

• Support for iTunes gifting of apps

• Wireless notes syncing with IMAP-based mail accounts