January is really shining as a month for Apple users, with enough rumors and news to make die-hard Windows fans feel a bit dejected. Sorry, PC-heads, because the Apple info keeps on coming, this time with a preview of the new features to expect in iPhone OS 4.0.

The 4.0 update is doubly interesting because there's a good chance that, were Apple to finally release its much-hyped tablet, said tablet would run this OS, if not a specially-adapted version of it. Besides the tablet, the OS will run on 3G and 3GS iPhones, but not previous models - sorry, early-adopters! The reasoning for that restriction is likely due to the processing and memory requirements the system's new features will require.

Topping off the list of long-awaited improvements, Apple is finally granting the iPhone the ability to multi-task, to let one app run in the background while you use another. That alone may be the reason for the restriction on hardware to only the latest models. Also on the usability end of the spectrum, Apple should be integrating more multi-touch controls into the system. It's likely that work on the tablet has gotten the company thinking about improving the touch interface experience.

Less sweeping changes include some UI tweaks and some sort of syncing technology. Check back in next Wednesday, when we're likely to hear more about OS 4.0.

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