New iPhone OS to be previewed

Apple will be previewing version 3.0 of its iPhone operating system on Tuesday next week.

According to reports, a new software development kit (SDK) for the OS will also be revealed. Speculation over a new, possibly lower-range, version of the handset is also currently rife, although the means of lowering the cost of an iPhone device remains unclear.

In terms of new features that may be included in iPhone OS 3.0, various whispers around the web suggest MMS is a likely candidate. Picture messaging has never really taken off in Europe, but such services are made more attractive by handsets with large, bright screens and reasonable cameras.

Another feature for which iPhone users have been clamouring is cut-and-paste – some rumours suggest that might make an appearance in the new version. Another rumour involves the activation of "tethering" the handset to a laptop, so as to give mobile broadband access to the PC/Mac.