14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has confirmed that summer 2010 will see the public release of iPhone OS 4.0, the latest version of the software giving life to the company’s iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The last one will be getting the goods in Fall, while owners of an iPhone or iPod touch will have to ensure that they meet some requirements, should they expect stuff like multitasking to work on their device.
According to the information disclosed by the Mac maker on its website, not all device models will fully support iPhone OS 4.0. In fact, the company doesn’t even mention first-generation iPhones, suggesting that early iPhone adopters still using Apple’s first-introduced smartphone are now left out in the cold.
Talking about iPhone 4 compatibility, the company stresses that, “iPhone OS 4 will work with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and the second- and third-generation iPod touch this summer, and with iPad in the fall. Not all features are compatible with all devices.” “For example, multitasking is available only with iPhone 3GS and the third-generation iPod touch (32GB and 64GB models from late 2009),” it explains.
It is unclear whether the original iPhone will gain any support at all, if only just for the new Game Center. However, with Apple “omitting” to include references to this particular device, as well as to first-generation iPod touches, it is fair to assume that these devices will not support OS 4.0 altogether. Needles to point out, iPhone 3G owners will also miss out on multitasking.
“iPhone OS 4 is the next generation of the world's most innovative mobile operating system,” Apple also says on its website, seemingly suggesting there’s no place for old hardware starting now. “Its unique capabilities and new technologies will change what you thought was possible on a mobile platform,” the company adds. The news may be sad for owners of older hardware, but not for developers, who can now focus on new-hardware compatibility. Moreover, a rich set of over 1,500 new APIs (included in the iPhone SDK for iPhone OS 4) now provides those enrolled with Apple’s Developer Program with a huge range of technologies that enhance the functionality of their iPhone and iPod touch apps.