The approval of a rival internet browsing application for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch could signal a sea change in the firm’s approach to third-party application developers, according to an expert.

Joe Minihane, blogging for Top10.com, said that the confirmation that Opera will be released to iPhone handset users could see other developers attempt to bring out applications to improve the device.

"Unlike Safari, Opera compresses web pages on its own servers, meaning it can deliver full pages quicker than Apple’s own browser," he stated.

Mr Minihane stated that Opera is ideal for EDGE-based, 2G phones, which shows that Apple is trying to give something back to iPhone owners with older models.

The expert also stated that the approval of Opera could signal that Apple has another browser up its sleeve, with Safari set to undergo a "much-needed" upgrade when the next iPhone hits the shelves.

Furthermore, Skyfire, another mobile browser developer, has confirmed that it wishes to release its own programme for the iDevices.

Football fans are set to get their hands on one of the sport’s most popular titles, which will now be available in handheld format.

Coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch today (April 13th), Football Manager Handheld will allow gamers to take their favourite team to domestic and European glory from the convenience of the office, bus or train.

Sega has kept the title under wraps recently, but fans of the PC version will now be able to get their fix from one of the most addictive games out there.

Gamers can manage in any one of 34 leagues, from 11 different countries, with a database of over 20,000 players.

The classic Football Manager top-down view is also back, showing fans how the game is panning out and how their tactics have affected the match.

It is not only possible for managers to dabble in the transfer market, but to approach the board for extra funds, apply pressure to under-performing players and schedule annual holidays.

The Apple iPhone 3GS will become even better when a new operating system for the handset is released this summer.

Last week, chief executive of the firm Steve Jobs announced that the 4.0 version of its operating software will allow users to multitask with third party applications and add folders for improved organisation, along with more than 100 other new features.

James Zielinski, co-founder of Rightmobilephone.co.uk, said that the new system will make the iPhone experience more complete.

“Essentially Apple has smoothed off those rough edges by making the software more organised and able to flow from task to task. Aside from multitask features, the new update brings lots more features, including better organisation with folders and threaded emails,” he added.

At the unveiling conference, Mr Jobs also said that there will be an iPhone version of its iBooks reader, which was recently released for the iPad device which is now available in the US.

People weighing up whether to purchase an iPhone 3GS have been told that a new operating system update will allow users to carry out multitasking functions.

Releasing in the summer, the iPhone 4.0 OS will let users run more than one programme at a time on their handset, negating the need to return to the homepage every time they want to start a new task.

It means that gamers will now be able to listen to their favourite music while playing the latest titles.

Furthermore, users will not have to cancel a Skype phone call every time they want to look for directions, while internet calls can also now be received while a person surfs the web at the same time.

A whole host of other updates will also be included, with iPhone owners now able to land multiple email accounts into one inbox on their handset.

The new update follows recent rumours that the next iPhone will use multitasking and a second front-facing camera for video calling.

Apple’s iPhone has been voted as the UK’s favourite handset, beating a host of other iconic devices to the title.

Of those consumers polled by the computer networking and telecommunications department at the University of Salford, 13 per cent named the iPhone as their favourite mobile.

This helped the Apple device beat the Nokia 3210, which got 8.5 per cent of the vote, to the number one spot, while the Blackberry 8300 Curve came in sixth.

Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Nigel Lange noted that, though it has only been out for a relatively short while, the iPhone is well on its way to becoming a true symbol of the times.

“‘Iconic’ is a label not often used for handsets that have only been around for a couple of years, but with its stylish appearance and responsive touchscreen functionality, the iPhone has seen a host of imitators since its arrival in June 2007,” he said.

At the start of last month, Apple was named as one of the world’s ‘Most Admired Companies’ by Fortune magazine.

Apple’s iPhone has been voted as the UK’s favourite handset, beating a host of other iconic devices to the title.

Of those consumers polled by the computer networking and telecommunications department at the University of Salford, 13 per cent named the iPhone as their favourite mobile.

This helped the Apple device beat the Nokia 3210, which got 8.5 per cent of the vote, to the number one spot, while the Blackberry 8300 Curve came in sixth.

Commenting on the findings, lead researcher Nigel Lange noted that, though it has only been out for a relatively short while, the iPhone is well on its way to becoming a true symbol of the times.

"’Iconic’ is a label not often used for handsets that have only been around for a couple of years, but with its stylish appearance and responsive touchscreen functionality, the iPhone has seen a host of imitators since its arrival in June 2007," he said.

At the start of last month, Apple was named as one of the world’s ‘Most Admired Companies’ by Fortune magazine.