Since the first release in 2007, small business, corporate enterprise and consumer alike have rapidly accepted the iPhone. Yes, it’s pretty; yes, the touch screen is neat; yes, it’s an industry pioneer. However, one of the biggest reasons for acceptance is the constant improvement on the underlying OS. As well, the integration with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (commonly used by enterprise level business) in the iPhone OS 3.0 has only improved with subsequent updates.

iPhone OS 4.0 – The Future of the iPhone OS X

The planned iPhone OS 4.0 update is considered one of the most exciting iPhone software updates. Planned for the summer of 2010, the update is expected to have over one hundred new user features, as well as 1500+ new APIs for app creation. Some of the features include better email integration, improved Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync integration and iBooks, a way to browse, buy and read books on the interface.

iPhone OS 3.0 +

While waiting for the upgrade, take a minute, or a year (because it might take that long before you run out of new things ), to see what the iPhone OS 3.0 and 3.1 upgrade brought iPhone users. Why? Because, from improved Exchange ActiveSync integration to improved music, podcast and photo integration, among others, the iPhone OS 4.0 uses the previous features of iPhone OS X in award-winning, easy-to-use, mini-computer mode. With each version release, the gap between fun and serious, work and home is a little smaller.

Some Features of OS X and following versions include:

Cut, Copy, Paste – 3.0 +, 4.0
Landscape Keyboard – 3.0 +, 4.0
MMS messages with photos, contact info and audio – 3.0 +, 4.0
Safari – OS X, 3.0 +, 4.0
iTunes Music Store – OS X, 3.0 +, 4.0
Bluetooth headset battery status indicator – OS X, 3.0 +, 4.0
Google Maps with Locate Me – OS X, 3.0 +, 4.0
App Store – 2.x, 3.0 +, 4.0
Support for SVG – 2.x, 3.0 +, 4.0
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support – 2.x, 3.0 +, 4.0
iPod – 2.x, 3.0 +, 4.0
Compass – 3.0 +, 4.0
YouTube login – 3.0 +, 4.0
Video recording – 3.0 +, 4.0

Summary of iPhone OS 4.0 Features:

To get an idea of how iPhone OS X is bridging the gap between home and work, look over the iPhone OS X features. Of course, the list always includes improved Exchange ActiveSync support and enhanced security with each upgrade. Then add the following features to the list:

Multitasking (available for iPhone 3GS +) ability, such as push notifications, Voice over IP and background location
iBooks (iTunes for eBooks), originally for the iPad only
iAd, a new advertising platform so developers can create ads that are more interactive and emotional while still managing to be less intrusive
Better data protection and encryption with PIN codes
Wireless distribution of custom apps for companies
Multiple Exchange account support
Exchange Server 2010 support
Juniper and Cisco support for SSL VPN
Remotely manage mobile devices
Unified inbox, allowing users to pull multiple Exchange email accounts, Yahoo! Mail, GMail and other email accounts all in one in-box
Folders to organize and categorize apps
Social gaming network to challenge friends and others
Bluetooth keywords
Larger Mail, SMS and alert fonts
Rotate photos
Digital 5X zoon camera
Spell check
Tap-to-focus video
Custom backgrounds