Most iPhone users are aware that the gadget is due for a software upgrade soon and that it’s likely that Apple will release another OS for the phone sometime this year. Tradition says this happens in late March, though this one may be delayed. Apple Insider says that the upgrade will be OS 4.0 for “summer release” and it will include something that has long been a thorn in the side of the iPhone vs. Android debate.. multitasking.
Over at ReadWriteWeb, Mike Melanson mentions that jailbreaking has already proven that the iPhone is capable of multitasking, it’s the OS that’s holding it back. With the iPad coming, however, the phone may find itself too powerful for its new cousin. Or will it? Apple has said that multitasking is not supported for phone security and stability reasons.
Those may be addressed and the iPad may be the impetus for the upgrade rather than a blockade. Since the iPad is apparently running the iPhone’s OS, the upgrade to multitasking may be all about the iPad with the iPhone thrown in as just a bonus. Traditionally, as stated, this happens in late March or early April. With the non-3G iPad coming later this month, Apple may be pushing ahead with the new OS as well. At least in beta form, if not a full release. Apple plans an SDK event towards the end of the month..
Regardless, the iPhone is the only smart phone at the front of the market that doesn’t support multitasking. DailyTech lists all of the major competitors and their multitasking abilities, including Palm and Android (Google). If the iPad doesn’t support multitasking (and all indicators so far say it won’t), it will be a seriously hobbled machine.
