Back in April, Facebook references were found into the first iPhone OS 4.0 betas, suggesting that Apple was working on a Facebook Contacts integration with its contacts app for the iPhone. Business Insider is now reporting - citing a reliable source - that Apple is planning to go even further with it, giving developer tools built in the software development kits to implement social features and even a messaging solution that relies on Facebook’ system.
“We also hear that Apple could be integrating Facebook Connect directly into its software developers kit so programmers can more easily add Facebook “social” features to their apps. But we don’t have details on how that might work.
We also anticipate – but don’t know – that Apple may build some sort of Facebook messaging features into the iPhone. Perhaps you’ll be able to send Facebook messages to contacts just as easily as text messages. This wouldn’t cost any money – it wouldn’t use up your text message allotment – and could be just as instantaneous. But again, this part is pure speculation.”
It’s very likely that we’ll know more at the upcoming WWDC in June. Considering that OS 4.0 will also feature an online gaming platform called “Game Center” and the rumors we’re hearing about new stuff coming to MobileMe, it wouldn’t be a surprise to discover extended support for Facebook contacts and a real time messaging app.
But the question is: why not Twitter?
