Apple has set the standard that once every year they will release a new version of the iPhone. It stands to reason that this year will be no different, with a new model likely coming sometime this summer. But arguably just as important as Apple’s hardware refresh is the accompanying software refresh that comes with it as well. And that’s why it shouldn’t be surprising at all that whispers of iPhone OS 4.0 are starting to grow. But this year, the timeline appears a bit off.
As AppleInsider reported today, iPhone OS 4.0 is likely to deliver multitasking support. If true, that will make it perhaps the most important OS upgrade for the platform yet. However, in reporting the news, AppleInsider also notes that the software, “remains under development and reportedly has a quite ‘way to go’ before it’s ready for prime time.” Looking back at the iPhone OS SDK history you’ll notice a constant: Apple has released the beta builds in March the past two years. We’re already well into March this year, and so far, no word about Apple being close to doing the same. → Read More
iPhone apps have been downloaded 800 million times, and there are now more than 25,000 apps in the iTunes store. Apple is detailing some of the new features in the next version of the iPhone OS in apress conference going on live right now. The new OS, iPhone 3.0, will support 1,000 APIs. Apple seems to be giving a lot of extra love to paid apps, which will gain the ability to sell additional levels, subscriptions, virtual goods, or extra content from right within the app.
Some stats from the press conference:
Apple has just uploaded yesterday’s SDK event for your viewing pleasure. You can find it here. → Read More
[photopress:apple_iphone_blackberry_pearl.jpg,full,center] We called up our contacts at RIM, makers of the Blackberry, to get an official response regarding today’s announcement that the iPhone is going enterprise. RIM had a lot to say about the unwelcome new competition, summing it up nicely: RIM typically does not comment on other companies’ products or announcement. Oh, OK. → Read More
Electronista’s gotten word that applications developed for the iPhone for free might not get the same review process as for-pay apps. In fact, there may be no review process at all for such apps. Applications that are developed with profit in mind must first clear Apple’s review process for inclusion into iTunes and then subjected to a profit-sharing model wherein Apple will take a percentage of each application sold. By not restricting or subjecting free applications to the same review process, it’ll provide more incentive for developers to make stuff for the iPhone. Can you imagine spending a bunch of your free time on coding free software only to be told by Apple that they weren’t going to clear it for download? That’d really put a damper on things. Source: Apple may not restrict free iPhone apps [Electronista] → Read More
