iOS 4 Features: MultiTasking, Folders, and Much More
Today's release of
iOS 4 marks a major upgrade to Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. High demand for the software update has caused a strain on Apple's servers resulting in slow downloads for many customers. For those who are able to get the software downloaded and installed, here are a few walkthroughs that go over the major features found in the new iOS.
- iLounge: Apple iOS 4.0
- ArsTechnica: iOS 4: what's new, notable, and what needs work
- Macworld: Exploring iOS 4's multimedia features
- TiPb: iOS4 Walkthrough
- Gizmodo: Hidden Secrets of iOS 4
From a casual user standpoint, the biggest features will include:
- Folders - With the explosion of the App Store, App management has been a major issue. The introduction of Folders allows users to simply drag and drop icons on top of each other to create a custom folder of Apps. Tapping on the folder brings up a display of all the enclosed icons.
- MultiTasking / Fast App Switching - Exiting an App will now place it into a suspended mode that allows you to return to it quickly... at least for those apps that support it. Meanwhile, Apps with more sophisticated needs such as Pandora Radio can continue to play streaming music after you've left the app. Double tapping on the home button gives you a display of most recent apps that you've used and also gives you quick access to the iPod/Music controls if you swipe right on the icon bar.
Note that Apple's Game Center is not yet live. While an early version was provided to developers, Apple does not plan to launch the social gaming service until later this year.
Popular Stories
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a...
iOS 27 will reportedly have two major elements: quality improvements and new AI features.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that iOS 27 will be similar to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense that Apple is focused on improving "quality and underlying performance" over adding new features.
Gurman said there is one exception to this rule, though, as he expects...
We're only a few days away from Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 28 in 2025. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iOS 26.2 is currently in beta testing. The upcoming update includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics for Apple Music, and more.
In a recent press release, Apple confirmed that iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, but it did not provide a specific release date.
Keep reading...
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of the new features and improvements expected to come to next year's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
Apple's next-generation iPhones are less than ten months away and we already have a good idea about what to expect based on corroborated leaks, rumors,...
American multinational news company CNN has abruptly pulled its content from Apple News, Semafor reports.
CNN quietly removed its stories from Apple News over the weekend and there is no longer a feed from the network to subscribe to in the app. This effectively ends its distribution agreement with Apple while the two sides negotiate new terms. Discussions are apparently ongoing and CNN's...
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition.
The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
Black Friday deals have begun, and Amazon is one of the best places you can find steep discounts on numerous products this week. We've already collected all of the best Apple-related deals you'll find at Amazon (and other retailers) in our Apple Black Friday Deals post, so below you'll find other discounts on devices like Anker accessories, Beats headphones, video games, TVs, and more.
Note:...
Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event is returning on Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1 in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and others.
During the shopping event, customers can get an Apple gift card with...
