Apple to restrict multitasking in iPhone OS 4.0? (Speculation)

Some tech sites have started to hint at information they have that Apple will restrict multitasking in iPhone OS 4.0.

We still don’t know if Apple will even announce it tomorrow. But I do think it is probably the only other definite thing (other than iAds) that Apple could announce.

Having said that it is a no-brainer in my opinion that Apple will do three things :

1. Multitasking will still be controlled by them to some extent. At the very least they will restrict the types of apps, and the scope which those apps, can multitask. One way they could do this is via their approval process. Another is by having developers apply for that capability for a particular app.

2. Earlier devices will not get multitasking. Anything from the 3G up could theoretically handle it. But I would bet that Apple may even restrict it from 3GS versions down. If they announce it, it must be able to be a feature of some current device. Otherwise Apple would hold the announcement back until the new hardware they wish to put it on is made public.

3. The iPad will definitely get multitasking, sooner or later. This is why I think it may well be announced tomorrow.

Why do I think this? To sell new iPhones in the future, and more iPads now. And because battery life and processor power simply isn’t up to it in original iPhones and iPod Touches. Apple still care very much about, and like to exert some modicum of control over, the end user experience. This will not change any time soon.

Would you be upset if your older iDevice was denied multitasking goodness? Let us know in the comments.

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