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iPhone OS 4 is imminent. That’s the conclusion I drew from an e-mail I received from a prominent app developer Friday, at least, before hearing from the developer that it was a typo.
The message included the following snippet: “Just wanted to give you a heads up that we’ve submitted an updated app for the new iPhone OS 4.0 software.” (The developer later acknowledged that it meant to refer to a fourth version of the app itself, not OS 4.)
An operating-system update for the iPhone wouldn’t be surprising, given the all-but-certain announcement later this month of the hyper-rumored Apple tablet, which will most likely operate like an oversize iPod Touch–and require an updated version. For those seeking other evidence of the rumor, Boy Genius Report “discovered” OS 4 last month in some server logs.
Could this point to something more? A new iPhone model, perhaps? With all the recent buzzing about tablets, the rumor mill has been mostly mum on that topic. But the the timing is right: it was three years ago this month that Apple announced the first iPhone, and it’s been more than six months since the introduction of the 3GS.
In other words, a new iPhone is due. And let’s face it: The iPhone OS could do with a refit. On my wish list: multitasking, a to-do list that syncs with Outlook, and a better way to organize apps. At the very least, we may see contact icons on the Home screen.
What’s on your iPhone OS 4 wish list? And do you think the expected January product launch will include a new iPhone or two, or just the tablet?
Update, 12:25 p.m.: According to the developer, this press release was meant to refer to a fourth version of the app itself, not OS 4. Even so, I think it’s very likely the Apple tablet will arrive with an updated iPhone OS. We’ll find out in a few weeks. In the meantime, keep the OS 4 wish list discussion going!
Update 2, 11:30 a.m., Jan. 19: Check out Gizmodo’s roundup of the latest iPhone OS 4 rumors. This developer’s back-pedaling notwithstanding, I still say OS 4 arrives next Wednesday.
