When Apple released its updated iOS 4 software for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4 this week, many industry observers responded positively to new features such as multitasking and handset compatibility with Bluetooth-enabled keyboards. However, developers and consumers alike will need to keep in mind that the new platform powering Apple’s smartphones also has limitations, analysts said.
The “most disappointing” aspect of iOS 4 for developers and consumers is that it still lacks a Flash-compatible multimedia capability, noted Al Hilwa, director of applications development software at IDC. And Apple’s restrictions on apps not based on the company’s software tools — whether ported from Java, Flash, .NET or another programming language — is a major disappointment for developers hoping to leverage their skills onto the growing iOS platform, Hilwa observed.
“It is also a bit scary in that it bodes poorly for an open Internet down the road,” Hilwa said. Imagine the impact “when these devices rule the world with too many of them running” Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ “vision of what the Internet should be.”
Welcome Improvements
Hilwa did single out iOS 4’s multitasking capabilities for praise. “The improved multitasking — especially with respect to location enablement — will be the most noticeable improvement that pervades a whole bunch of apps and usage scenarios,” Hilwa said.
According to iSuppli, Apple’s iPhone is the most successful location-based services (LBS) platform so far with more than 6,000 LBS apps available. “Furthermore, the iPhone’s dominance is primarily in the aftermarket downloadable navigation application market,” noted iSuppli analyst Danny Kim.
On the other hand, multitasking enhancements — including those for use with LBS — will only run on Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. Moreover, handset users who upgrade to take advantage of these improvements will need to acquire new iOS 4-compatible apps.
Apple’s…