Apple has shed further light on the contents of its upcoming iPhone software update. The company will first release the iPhone 3.0 package as a beta version for developers, and is hoping to have the update available for consumers this summer.

Users will be given a number of new features, most notably support for multimedia messaging and the ability to cut and paste text, the lack of which has been a common gripe with iPhone owners.

IPhone users will be able to download the latest version for free, while iPod touch customers will have to lay out $9.95 (£7.15) for the software update. Developers will also be given access to a number of new APIs, including the ability to play a user's iPod library within an application, and to use push notifications to alert users.

"The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike," said Apple worldwide product marketing senior vice president Philip Schiller. "It will keep us years ahead of the competition."

Other planned updates include support for stereo Bluetooth devices, voice memo recording and support for Apple's Spotlight search tool.