Latest iPhone SDK beta allows Background Processes?

Latest iPhone SDK beta allows Background Processes? Following the last post, iPhone SDK Beta 4 (OpenGL ES 3D graphics support), The latest build of the iPhone SDK includes support for “active” and “inactive” applications. There's a rumor said that an anonymous developer has found that the new iPhone SDK beta seems to allow for processes to run in the background.

There are definitely some very interesting methods added to UIApplication’s delegate, including methods for badging the Springboard icon, and methods related to gaining and resigning "active" status - seems like background apps may be permitted somehow.

According to iPhone Atlas, the report has been debunked: "New iPhone OS build has support for “inactive” apps; not background apps".

Though some developers initially interpreted this inclusion as the addition of the ability to run third-party applications in the background — a notable omission from the initial SDK. However, it appears that the new capability only allows third-party applications to remain active while the device is locked (asleep) or there is an overlaid window.

Apple’s documentation reportedly states: “When an application is inactive, it is executing but is not dispatching incoming events. This occurs when an overlay window pops up or when the device is locked.”

“Only one iPhone application can run at a time, and third-party applications never run in the background. This means that when users switch to another application, answer the phone, or check their email, the application they are using quits.”