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Multitasking (iOS)

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On iOS, multitasking is a feature available in iOS 4 or later that allows multiple applications to run and perform tasks at the same time.

Multitasking was first released in June 2010 along with the release of iOS 4.0.[1][2] Only certain devices—iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod Touch 3rd generation—were able to use multitasking.[3] The iPad did not get multitasking until the release of iOS 4.2 in November 2010.[4] Currently, multitasking is supported on iPhone 3GS or newer, iPod Touch 3rd generation or newer, and all iPad models.[5]

Features

Fast app switching

File:IOS Multitasking Bar.png
The multitasking bar on iOS 4

Fast app switching allows apps to pause and resume themselves quickly and easily change to other apps.[6]An app that is on the screen is considered "running", while an app that is not on screen but is still in memory is considered "suspended".[7] All apps that are built with iOS 4 SDK support fast app switching if running on iOS 4 and a compatible device.[8] Users can utilize fast app switching by activating the multitasking bar, which can be displayed by double-tapping the home button.[7][3]

Task completion

Task completion allows apps to continue a certain task after the app has been suspended.[9][10] As of iOS 4.0, apps can request up to ten minutes to complete a task in the background.[11]

Running in the background

Apps on iOS 4.0 or later can run in the background by using the following three APIs:[12][13]

  • Audio—plays audio
  • Location—uses location services
  • VOIP—makes VOIP calls

In iOS 5.0 or later, there are an additional two APIs that can be used:[14]

  • Newsstand—downloads content for Newsstand
  • External accessory—interacts with an external accessory

See also

References

  1. ^ "iOS 4 iPhone Update RELEASED: A Guide To iOS 4". The Huffington Post. June 21, 2010. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  2. ^ Albanesius, Chloe (June 21, 2010). "Apple iPhone iOS 4 Software Update Expected Monday". PC Mag. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Cheng, Jacqui (June 21, 2010). "Ars reviews iOS 4: what's new, notable, and what needs work". Ars Technica. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  4. ^ Ray, Bill (November 22, 2010). "iOS 4.2 multi-tasking comes to the iPad". The Register. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  5. ^ http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4211
  6. ^ Shimpi, Anand (June 22, 2010). "Apple's iOS 4 Explored". AnandTech. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  7. ^ a b Perenson, Melissa (June 8, 2010). "Multitasking on Apple's iPhone 4: How Does It Work?". PCWorld. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  8. ^ https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#releasenotes/General/WhatsNewIniOS/Articles/iPhoneOS4.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009559-SW1
  9. ^ Snell, Jason (April 8, 2010). "Inside iPhone 4.0's multitasking". MacWorld. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  10. ^ "Apple iPhone 4". CNet. June 23, 2010. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  11. ^ Hollington, Jesse (June 21, 2010). "Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iOS 4". iLounge. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  12. ^ Newman, Jared (June 22, 2010). "Multitasking With iOS 4 is Horrible: Apple Blew It". PCWorld. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  13. ^ Diaz, Jesus (April 8, 2010). "How Multitasking Works in the New iPhone OS 4.0". Gizmodo. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
  14. ^ Speirs, Fraser (January 4, 2012). "How iOS multitasking really works". MacWorld. Retrieved April 14, 2013.
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