Apple iPhone 4.0 will support multitasking

This means that users who have bought an iPhone previously will not be able to multitask, as the technology won’t allow it.

But for those fortunate enough to have the iPhone 3GS and buyers of future models will be able to move between apps as well as run different ones at the same time.

This means streaming services like Spotify and Pandora can play music in the background, or receive a VoIP while the iPhone is asleep or running other apps.

Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, said: “We’re delivering over 100 new features, including multitasking, folders, a unified inbox, deeper Enterprise support, and an iPhone version of our iBooks reader and online iBookstore”.

The unified inbox will allow users to look at multiple messages from all their email accounts in one inbox, while iPhone OS 4.0 will also allow advertisers to carry full-screen video and interactive content without users having to the leave the app.

There are also new security features to make it more compatible with businesses, as well as the introduction of app folders which should allow users to organise and access their apps better.