IOS 4 explained

iOS 4
Version Of:iOS
Screenshot Size:258px
Developer:Apple Inc.
Source Model:Closed, with open source components
License:Proprietary EULA except for open-source components
Kernel Type:Hybrid (XNU)
Preceded By:iPhone OS 3
Succeeded By:iOS 5
Update Model:iTunes through a computer
Package Manager:App Store
Support Status:Obsolete, unsupported. Drops support for the iPhone (1st generation), iPod Touch (1st generation) and, from iOS 4.3 onwards, for the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (2nd generation).
Supported Platforms:

iOS 4 is the fourth major release of the iOS mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., being the successor to iPhone OS 3. It was announced at the Apple Special Event on April 8, 2010, and released on June 21, 2010. iOS 4 was the first version branded as "iOS" rather than "iPhone OS",[1] due to the release of the iPad. It was succeeded by iOS 5 on October 12, 2011.[2]

iOS 4 introduced many features that have since become commonplace, such as folders on the home screen, significantly increasing the number of apps that can be displayed. Support for home screen wallpapers on the iPhone was also added, although limited to newer devices due to animation performance requirements. The operating system also added a multitasking feature, letting apps dealing with Internet calling, location and audio playback function in the background, whereas a similar but more restricted "Fast App Switching" technology enabled any app to be left inactive in the background while users switch to other apps. iOS 4 also added a system-wide spell checking feature, enabled iBooks on iPhone, unified the Mail inbox to combine content from different email providers, and introduced both Game Center for social gaming and FaceTime for video calling.

The iOS 4 update introduced performance and battery problems on iPhone 3G devices, with Apple investigating the matter and promising then-upcoming updates. However, the company became the subject of a lawsuit from an unsatisfied customer over the issues. Around the same time, the release of iPhone 4 and its subsequent antenna problems made Apple focus on unsuccessfully attempting to patch the issues with software updates.

iOS 4 is the final version of iOS that features the iPod app for music and videos on iPhones. Starting with iOS 5, iPhones do not have the iPod app, but instead have the Music and Videos apps, as the iPod Touch and iPad do. It is also the last version of iOS that supports the iPhone 3G and second-generation iPod Touch, up to version 4.2.1 (4.3 dropped support for both devices).

Apps

History

iPhone OS 4 was introduced at the Apple Special Event on April 8, 2010. At the WWDC keynote address on June 7, 2010, it was renamed to iOS 4 in order to be more inclusive to the iPod Touch and iPad.[3]

iOS 4 was officially released on June 21, 2010.

System features

Home screen

iOS 4 raised the maximum number of home screen apps from 180 to 2,160 due to the addition of folders. These folders would automatically be named based on the containing apps' respective App Store category.[4] On the iPhone, the ability to choose wallpapers and see them on the home screen was also added, though the feature was notably absent from iPhone 3G and the second-generation iPod Touch due to poor performance of icon animations.[5] Additionally, the iPhone's dock was updated to be skeuomorphic, as with the Dock on the iPad and Mac OS X, and no longer has a grey line underneath it; the icons were redesigned to match.

Multitasking

iOS 4 introduced multitasking. The feature allowed users to switch between apps instantly by clicking the home button two times. It was implemented in such a way that did not cause excessive battery drain. Multitasking was limited to apps dealing with Internet calling, location, and audio playback, while a similar "Fast App Switching" technology meant users could leave an app and enter another, with the original app remaining in the background until the user returns.[6] [7] This feature was notably absent from iPhone 3G and the second-generation iPod Touch due to performance issues. iOS 4 introduced a spell checking feature that underlined misspelled words in red. Tapping on the word would provide a pop-up with a recommended replacement.[8]

Camera

The Camera app now supports 5x digital zoom.[9]

iOS 4 introduced iPhone and iPod Touch support in iBooks, which was already included on the iPad. Though not a default app, it was available through the App Store.[10]

The Mail app featured a unified inbox on iOS 4, allowing users to see messages from all of their email accounts displayed together in a single inbox.[11] It also gained support for MobileMe e-mail aliases and multiple Exchange accounts for business users.

iOS 4 added a new app called Game Center, an online multiplayer social gaming network, which allows users to invite friends to play games and to compare their scores on a leaderboard.[12] [13] It was not available on the iPhone 3G.

FaceTime

iOS 4 introduced FaceTime, a videotelephony app that uses the device's camera to allow the user to make video calls with other FaceTime users.[14] This feature was absent from the iPhone 3G, second-generation iPod Touch, iPhone 3GS, and third-generation iPod Touch due to the lack of required features, such as a front-facing camera.

Safari

The Safari mobile web browser on iOS 4 added Bing as a search option in addition to Google and Yahoo!.[15] Beginning with iOS 4.2.1, specific words or phrases on a page could be searched.[16]

Problems

Performance and battery issues

iPhone 3G users reported performance and battery issues after upgrading to iOS 4. Apple started an investigation of the matter in July 2010.[17] In November, Apple was sued for the issues, with an unsatisfied customer alleging "violating the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, unfair business practices, and false and deceptive advertising", with further allegations that Apple knew its software would cause problems on older models. Apple never responded to the allegations, but wrote in a reply to another unsatisfied customer in August 2010 that updates were "coming soon".[18] [19]

Alarm clock

In all versions of iOS 4, the alarm clock in the clock app had a problem in DST when it would go off an hour too early or too late.[20]

Antenna problems

Upon its release, some iPhone 4 users reported having technical problems with the phone's antennas.[21] Apple attempted to fix the issue in software with iOS 4.0.1,[22] but failed to do so.[23]

Supported devices

iOS 4 drops support for the first-generation iPhone and first-generation iPod Touch due to hardware limitations, though the iPhone 3G did support iOS 4, despite it having the same processor as the first-generation iPhone. However, the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (2nd generation) have limited support

iPhone

iPod Touch

iPad

Apple TV

Version history

!Version!Build!Codename!Release date!Notes!Update type
4.08A293ApexJune 21, 2010Initial release for iPhone 4 GSM
  • Allows use of multiple Mail inboxes
  • Adds support for folders for app organization
  • Allows creation of music playlists
  • Introduces the iBooks app
  • Adds tap-to-focus in the Camera app
  • Allows uses of Bluetooth keyboards
  • Allows users to gift apps to other Apple IDs in the App Store, as long as those apps contained no fraudulent information
  • Adds spellcheck
  • iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 only:
    • Adds support for multitasking
    • Adds support for setting a home screen wallpaper
  • iPhone 4 only:
    • LED flash for camera
    • 5x digital camera zoom
    • FaceTime
Initial Release
4.0.18A306July 15, 2010iPhone only
  • Changes the algorithm that displays cellular signal strength after Antennagate[24]
  • Fixes a bug with Microsoft Exchange accounts
Bug Fixes
4.0.28A400August 11, 2010
  • Fixes a bug that allowed a maliciously crafted PDF to lead to arbitrary code execution[25]
  • Fixes a bug that allows code running as user to gain system privileges

Due to all these patches, JailbreakMe 2.0 stops working.

Bug Fixes
4.18B117
8B118		BakerSeptember 8, 2010Initial release on iPod Touch (4th generation)
  • Adds HDR photo capture support to the iPhone 4
  • Allows upload of high definition videos captured on the iPhone 4 to YouTube and MobileMe
  • Fixes a bug that allowed a maliciously crafted .tiff image to lead to arbitrary code execution[26]
  • Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to redirect FaceTime calls
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused visiting a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Exclusive to iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod touch (3rd generation):
    • Game Center, a service that allows syncing of game save data, achievements, and more. Game Center had previously been part of developer versions of iOS 4.[27]
Feature Update
4.28C134UnknownNovember 1, 2010[28]
  • Adds AirPlay, allowing devices to stream audio or video to the Apple TV (1st generation)
  • Adds AirPrint, allowing devices to print wirelessly to some HP ePrint printers
  • Allows users to create a free MobileMe account to access Find My iPhone, which allows location tracking and remote locking or wiping of a device
  • Adds support for the iPad (1st generation)
Feature Update
4.2.18C148
8C148a		JasperNovember 22, 2010[29] Last version of iOS to run on iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (2nd generation) due to hardware and performance issues.
  • Replaces iOS 4.2 as iOS 4.2 prevented Wi-Fi from working on the iPad (1st generation), iOS 4.2 was later pulled from public view
Bug Fixes
All devices except for iPhone 4 (CDMA)
4.38F190
8F191		DurangoMarch 4, 2011Initial release on iPad 2
  • Adds personal hotspot to the iPhone 4 (GSM)
  • Introduces iTunes home sharing
  • Improves AirPlay[30] [31]
  • Fixes multiple vulnerabilities in FreeType
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing maliciously crafted .tiff images to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes many, many bugs in WebKit that caused viewing a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker connected to the same network as an iPhone to be able to trigger a remote reset
Initial Release, Feature Update
4.3.18G4March 25, 2011
  • Fixes iPod touch screen glitches
  • Fixes bugs that prevented activation and connection of iPhones[32]
  • Fixes image flicker when using Apple Digital AV Adapter
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution[33]
Bug Fixes
4.3.28H7
8H8		April 14, 2011
  • Fixes a bug that caused FaceTime calls to freeze
  • Fixes connectivity issues on cellular-equipped iPads
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution[34]
Bug Fixes
4.3.38J2May 4, 2011Fixes a bug that caused location to be reported incorrectly[35] Bug Fixes
4.3.48K2July 15, 2011
  • Fixes bugs that caused viewing a maliciously crafted PDF to cause arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that caused code running as user to gain system privileges[36]

It also patches the latest version of JailbreakMe (JailbreakMe 3.0).

Bug Fixes
4.3.58L1July 25, 2011Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to capture and/or modify data in SSL/TLS-protected network sessionsBug Fixes
iPhone 4 (CDMA) only
4.2.58E128UnknownJanuary 11, 2011Preview release on iPhone 4 (CDMA). Only available to reviewers, never shipped on release devices Preview Release
4.2.68E200PhoenixJanuary 31, 2011Initial release on iPhone 4 (CDMA), as while 4.2.5 also came with the device, 4.2.6 was the first public version.
  • Bug fixes for personal hotspots
Initial Release
4.2.78E303April 14, 2011
  • Fixes a bug that caused FaceTime calls to freeze
  • Updates SSL certificates after fraudulent certificates were issued by a Comodo affiliate registration authority
  • Fixes multiple bugs that caused viewing of a maliciously crafted website to lead to arbitrary code execution
Bug Fixes
4.2.88E401May 4, 2011Fixes a bug that caused location to be reported incorrectlyBug Fixes
4.2.98E501July 15, 2011
  • Fixes bugs that caused viewing a maliciously crafted PDF to cause arbitrary code execution
  • Fixes a bug that caused code running as user to gain system privileges

It also patches the latest version of JailbreakMe (JailbreakMe 3.0).

Bug Fixes
4.2.108E600July 25, 2011Fixes a bug that allowed an attacker in a privileged network position to capture and/or modify data in SSL/TLS-protected network sessionsBug Fixes

Notes and References

  1. News: iPhone OS 4 renamed iOS 4, launching June 21 with 1500 new features . 18 November 2023 . Engadget . 7 June 2010.
  2. Web site: Devindra . Hardawar . iOS 5 available now, makes the iPhone 4 feel completely new . . October 12, 2011 . July 15, 2017 . February 7, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170207033452/http://venturebeat.com/2011/10/12/ios-5-available/ . live .
  3. Web site: Nilay . Patel . iPhone OS 4 renamed iOS 4, launching June 21 with 1500 new features . . . June 7, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . June 14, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170614180843/https://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/iphone-os-4-renamed-ios-gets-1500-new-features/ . live .
  4. Web site: Dan . Frakes . Hands on with iOS 4 folders . . . June 21, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . July 3, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170703204429/http://www.macworld.com/article/1152168/ios4folders.html . live .
  5. Web site: Eric . Slivka . Steve Jobs on Lack of Custom Wallpapers in iOS 4 for iPhone 3G . . June 22, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . August 1, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170801125229/https://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/22/steve-jobs-on-lack-of-custom-wallpapers-in-ios-4-for-iphone-3g/ . live .
  6. Web site: iOS 4: What you need to know . . . June 21, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510170129/http://www.macworld.com/article/1152167/ios4_need_to_know.html . live .
  7. Web site: Jared . Newman . Multitasking With iOS 4 is Horrible: Apple Blew It . . . June 22, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . June 29, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130629185931/http://www.pcworld.com/article/199528/Multitasking_With_iOS_4_is_Horrible_Apple_Blew_It.html . live .
  8. Web site: Rene . Ritchie . iOS 4 features: Spell-check and text replace . iMore . July 13, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510185141/https://www.imore.com/ios-4-features-spellcheck-text-replace . May 10, 2018 . dead .
  9. Web site: Daniel . Ionescu . Apple iOS 4: 10 Best Features . . . June 21, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510211624/http://www.pcworld.com/article/199431/apple_ios4_10_best_features.html#slide10 . live .
  10. Web site: John . Brownlee . iOS 4, iBooks for iPhone Now Available For Download . Cult of Mac . June 21, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510184500/https://www.cultofmac.com/47634/ios-4-ibooks-for-iphone-now-available-for-download/ . live .
  11. Web site: Rene . Ritchie . iOS 4 review . iMore . June 14, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . June 15, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111736/https://www.imore.com/ios-4-review . live .
  12. Web site: Chris . Holt . iOS 4.1's Game Center to hit iPhone next week . . . September 1, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . January 15, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180115215752/https://www.macworld.com/article/1153821/software-games/ios-gamecenter.html . live .
  13. Web site: Christopher . Grant . Download iOS 4.1 now, get Game Center (on your compatible iProduct) . . . September 8, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510185658/https://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/download-ios-4-1-now-get-game-center-on-your-compatible-iprodu/ . live .
  14. Web site: Luke . Dormehl . Today in Apple history: iOS 4 brings multitasking and FaceTime . Cult of Mac . June 21, 2017 . July 15, 2017 . June 22, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170622130759/https://www.cultofmac.com/488032/today-apple-history-ios-4-facetime-multitasking/ . live .
  15. Web site: Greg . Sterling . Bing Goes The iPhone . . June 7, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . July 29, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170729085702/http://searchengineland.com/bing-comes-to-the-iphone-43753 . live .
  16. Web site: Rene . Ritchie . iOS 4.2 features: Find text on Safari web page . iMore . September 16, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170312124653/http://www.imore.com/ios-42-features-find-text-safari-web-page . March 12, 2017 . dead .
  17. Web site: Erica . Ogg . Apple to investigate iOS 4 problems on iPhone 3G . . . July 28, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . October 22, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161022115202/https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-to-investigate-ios-4-problems-on-iphone-3g/ . live .
  18. Web site: Erica . Ogg . Slow iPhone 3G? iOS update could be on the way . . . August 20, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510185916/https://www.cnet.com/news/slow-iphone-3g-ios-update-could-be-on-the-way/ . live .
  19. Web site: Erica . Ogg . Apple sued for iOS 4 problems on iPhone 3G, 3GS . . . November 4, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510185101/https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-sued-for-ios-4-problems-on-iphone-3g-3gs/ . live .
  20. News: Apple iPhone 4 alarm clock bug makes scores late for work. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/8101945/Apple-iPhone-4-alarm-clock-bug-makes-scores-late-for-work.html . January 12, 2022 . subscription . live. Claudine. Beaumont. November 1, 2010. The Daily Telegraph.
  21. Web site: Brian X. . Chen . Tests confirm iPhone 4's antenna flaws (Updated) . . . July 2, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510195154/https://www.wired.com/2010/07/iphone-4-anandtech/ . live .
  22. Web site: Daniel Eran . Dilger . Death Grip hysteria may end Monday with iOS 4.01 . AppleInsider . June 25, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . November 13, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171113031041/http://appleinsider.com/articles/10/06/25/death_grip_hysteria_may_end_monday_with_ios_4_01.html . live .
  23. Web site: Daniel . Ionescu . Apple's iPhone 4 Antennagate Timeline . . . July 17, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . July 15, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170715142545/http://www.pcworld.com/article/201297/apples_iphone_4_antenna_gate_timeline.html . live .
  24. Web site: Chartier . David . July 15, 2010 . Apple releases iOS 4.0.1 with new iPhone signal formula . July 15, 2017 . . . May 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180511081735/https://www.macworld.com/article/1152733/iOS4_0_1.html . live .
  25. Web site: Steven . Sande . iOS 4.0.2 for iPhone/iPod Touch, iOS 3.2.2 updates available now . . . August 11, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180510184438/https://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/ios-4-0-2-for-iphone-ipod-touch-ios-3-2-2-updates-available-now/ . live .
  26. Web site: Eric . Slivka . Apple Releases iOS 4.1 for iPhone and iPod Touch . . September 8, 2010 . July 15, 2017 . May 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180511012651/https://www.macrumors.com/2010/09/08/apple-releases-ios-4-1-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/ . live .
  27. Web site: Kumparak . Greg . iOS 4.1 brings a whole new look to Apple’s Game Center . MobileCrunch . TechCrunch . 29 August 2023.
  28. Web site: November 1, 2010 . iOS 4.2 GM Download Available Now . December 31, 2023 . OS X Daily .
  29. Web site: Caldwell . Serenity . November 18, 2010 . Apple releases iOS 4.2.1 GM to developers . July 15, 2017 . . . December 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210232135/https://www.macworld.com/article/1155831/ios_421.html . live .
  30. Web site: Rawson . Chris . March 4, 2011 . iOS 4.3 brings a handful of new features and new headaches . July 15, 2017 . . . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510104259/https://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/ios-4-3-brings-a-handful-of-new-features-and-new-headaches/ . live .
  31. Web site: September 16, 2013 . iOS: A visual history . July 15, 2017 . . . April 12, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170412015548/http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/13/2612736/ios-history-iphone-ipad . live .
  32. Web site: Cheng . Jacqui . March 25, 2011 . iOS 4.3.1 fixes iPod Touch graphics glitch, TV flickering issue . July 15, 2017 . . . May 11, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170511075338/https://arstechnica.com/apple/2011/03/ios-431-fixes-ipod-touch-graphics-glitch-tv-flickering-issue/ . live .
  33. Web site: Friedman . Lex . April 14, 2011 . Apple releases iOS 4.3.2, fixes FaceTime, 3G issues . July 15, 2017 . . . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510170134/http://www.macworld.com/article/1159239/ios432.html . live .
  34. Web site: Moren . Dan . May 4, 2011 . Apple releases iOS 4.3.3 to patch location bugs . July 15, 2017 . . . June 19, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170619040516/http://www.macworld.com/article/1159643/ios433_location_fixes.html . live .
  35. Web site: White . Charlie . July 15, 2011 . Apple iOS 4.3.4 Update Available, Prevents Hacking & Jailbreaking . July 15, 2017 . . March 12, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170312174403/http://mashable.com/2011/07/15/ios-4-3-4-update/ . live .
  36. Web site: Friedman . Lex . July 25, 2011 . Apple releases iOS 4.3.5 to fix certificate validation . July 15, 2017 . . . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510170138/http://www.macworld.com/article/1161328/ios435.html . live .
  37. Web site: January 11, 2011 . Apple's new CDMA iPhone has built-in Wi-Fi hotspot with iOS 4.2.5 . July 15, 2017 . AppleInsider . May 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170510090015/http://appleinsider.com/articles/11/01/11/apples_new_cdma_iphone_has_built_in_wi_fi_hotspot_with_ios_4_2_5 . live .

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