subject: Downloading Applications for iPhones [print this page] Downloading Applications for iPhones Downloading Applications for iPhones
Since the iPhone's inception, four generations of the device have appeared along with four major revisions of Apple's 'On the go' OS, called iOS. Every new version of iPhone and its iOS enhance another aspect to the mobile functionality: the iPhone 3g supplemented 3g network enhancements and A-GPS location; the iPhone 3GS was enhanced with a compass, better processor and more advanced camera, which included video; the iPhone 4 has two cameras for FaceTime video calling and a more advanced display. Due to these differences between each improvement of iPhone, new iPhone apps have been created with each iPhone advancement. In order to make up for all of these corrections and uphold inter connections among all the varied iphone versions, programmers make multiple types of each applications for every iOS. EG, not every app may take advantage of iOS 4's multitasking abilities. Also some apps require a specific iOS version to be installed in order to operate perfectly.
Most applications with varying iPhone versions not only cater to bugfixes, but also add more functionality, taking advantage of each individual new functions the new iOS includes. Occasionally an iPhone user will have to employ a previous app type, as the new type may not be supported by their particular iPhone. To prevent any confusion, developers may state the minimum iOS generation required to use the particular app. 3 applications that have specific type changes to keep compatibility are Atomic Web Browser, Meebo, and instapaper. Next we will have a look at how the applications have progressed to work with every new iPhone generation.
