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iPhone OS 4.0 rumor roundup

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 6:35PM EST
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With Apple’s iPhone OS 4.0 event just over 24 hours away, we thought it might be a good idea to recap some of the most persistent OS 4.0 rumors while addressing a new one here and there so everyone can keep score at home when the event starts tomorrow morning at 10AM PDT. We’ve assembled some of the best and most persistent rumors for your reading pleasure, so hit the break and check them out.

Multitasking

The most persistent rumor, which also happens to be the one most dear to people’s hearts, is that multitasking for third-party applications will finally come to the iPhone. As it currently stands, only stock apps like iPod, Mail, Messages, Phone and Safari have supported the feature. Newer rumors even have the new OS having an Exposé-like feature which would make it significantly easier for users to switch between applications on the fly.

Global Inbox

Another rumor would finally see the Mail app gain the option for a global mailbox. From the beginning, the iPhone OS has supported multiple mailboxes but required users to individually check each inbox instead of offering a way to view new email from all active accounts in one fell swoop.

Homescreen Contacts

Spotted in age old patents, it is believed Apple will make it possible to add contacts to the home screen. This would essentially enable users to create pseudo applications that do nothing but make it much faster to get in contact with individuals by phone, text, email, IM and so on.

iAd

Previously rumored to be unveiled today, it is now expected that Apple’s “iAd” service will be introduced tomorrow. Born out of Apple’s acquisition of Quattro Wireless, the advertising service is expected to not only allow Apple to further distance itself from smartphone rival Google but also allow for closer ties with developers who will presumably be given the Apple-typical 70% of revenue. The irony? Google stands to benefit from this as the increased competition might finally force the FTC to push through Google’s purchase of AdMob.

OS-wide Multi-Touch

Not much needs to be said about this, but we don’t think there’s such a thing as too much Multi-Touch.

Enhanced Calendar and Address Book sync

This is another one from our Apple connects, although we have to admit we weren’t able to get them to elaborate any further. But that’s okay. We love surprises.

Reworked UI

We’re not saying we’re going to see an entirely fresh design, but there’s a lot of things Apple could improve on in the graphics department. Expect to see a lot of iPad design elements, and even some new ones.

Direct Printing

Finally we have the newest rumor of the bunch, and it has to do with OS 4.0 supporting direct printing. This one is somewhat out there, but the fact that “printing directly from iPad is not currently available” (emphasis ours) is listed in support documents for the iPad version of the iWork apps. Can you imagine how nice it would be to be able to print your documents straight from your iPhone over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

Who’s excited?