Apple unleashed a free iOS 4 software update Monday for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G that contains 100 new features, although not all the enhancements are compatible with all devices. Among other things, Apple is promoting the new multitasking capabilities built into iOS 4, which will enable mobile users to run multiple third-party apps and switch between them on the fly without slowing the performance of the app in the foreground.
But the new multitasking capability only works on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, and only when running apps designed specifically for iOS 4, analysts noted.
“Multitasking for iPhone is more limited than in other platforms, but allows for some of the key requirements that users have without impacting the battery as much,” said Gartner Research Director Carolina Milanesi. “Other improvements that users will appreciate are iBooks and iAd support for apps that will grant a better experience as well as help keep prices low.”
Building Momentum
Apple held a 15.4 percent share of the global smartphone market at the end of March — up nearly five percentage points from the same time last year, according to Gartner. Moreover, Apple and AT&T, its U.S. carrier partner, received pre-orders for more than 600,000 iPhone 4s on June 15. Although the unanticipated avalanche caused widespread ordering-system malfunctions, Apple said it was the largest number of pre-orders it has ever taken in a single day.
With the release of the iPhone 4, which is specifically designed to run iOS 4, Apple is well positioned to continue market gains, Milanesi noted. “I do expect the rollout of the device to help maintain momentum,” Milanesi said. “Some of the sales will be upgrades, but some will be new users, too.”
In addition to multitasking, iOS4 enables up to 2,160 apps to…