Apple has released their next big firmware update for the iPhone and iPod touch, excluding first generations, with loads of new features, including multitasking.

Although the UI hasn't changed too much since the release of the first firmware, Apple has made huge improvements to the functionality and support for the mobile operating system, including copy and paste in 3.0 and now multitasking in 4.0.

The iOS 4.0 will support multitasking, allowing for multiple applications to be run at the same time. The long awaited feature will be native to the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4 but will not be supported on the iPhone 3G. Users will be able to run applications in the background while using another app, receiving updates and notifications without having the application displayed. Multitasking will also support fast switching, allowing users to see a list of applications already running in the background, and select which ones to launch. Users will be able to play music in the background while surfing the Internet.

iOS 4.0 will also support wallpaper images, something only previously available to jailbroken phones. Users will be able to use the same lock screen wallpaper behind their icons, but will only be supported on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and not the iPhone 3G.