iOS 4 For Your iPhone is Available Now

This is a big week for Apple fans as not only does the iPhone 4 go on sale on Thursday, but it’s also time for another iPhone OS update. Now known as iOS 4, this is the first major revision of the software since this time last year, when iPhone OS 3.0 was introduced.

iPhone users who wish to upgrade to iOS 4 should plug in their iPhones, open iTunes and select ‘check for updates’. Just to warn you, the installation process is a long one, so if you haven’t got an hour to spare, you may want to wait until you do!

The most significant change within iOS 4 is multi-tasking, or Apple’s interpretation of it anyway. Certain applications will now be able to run in the background to allow super-fast switching between them; helpful for IM, social networking and other Push-enabled apps. Other new features include folders, where apps can be grouped together, changeable wallpaper for the home screen and the lock screen, plus plenty of minor alterations such as an orientation lock, a global inbox, new Spotlight features and text-correction methods.

All of this sounds great, but not everyone is going to be able to enjoy these new features. First of all, if you own a 1st gen iPhone or iPod Touch, iOS 4 isn’t compatible with your device at all, and if you own an iPhone 3G or 2nd gen iPod Touch, you’re getting a limited version which won’t include multi-tasking, homescreen wallpaper support or orientation locking amongst other things. Prior to the iPhone 4’s release, only the 3GS will run the full version of iOS 4, so if you own one of the older devices, it could be time for an upgrade.