In mobile operating systems from Apple, does iOS support multitasking, and if so, how is multitasking generally handled for third party applications?

Introduction / Context:
Multitasking refers to the ability of an operating system to run multiple processes or applications at the same time. Early versions of mobile platforms had limited multitasking, but modern versions provide more sophisticated support while still protecting battery life and performance. This question focuses on whether iOS supports multitasking and how it manages background activity for third party apps.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The platform in question is iOS on iPhone or iPad devices.
• We are considering typical third party applications distributed through the App Store.
• Battery life and user experience are important design constraints.

Concept / Approach:
iOS does support multitasking, but it does so in a controlled and energy aware way. When users switch away from an app, the system may suspend that app, but certain categories of apps can request background execution privileges. Examples include audio playback apps, navigation apps, voice over IP apps and apps that perform periodic background fetches or receive push notifications. The system enforces strict limits on how long and how often these tasks can run in the background, to prevent one app from draining battery or slowing down the device.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that modern iOS versions allow users to switch between multiple apps and to have some apps continue limited work in the background.Step 2: Understand that background modes are granted based on capabilities and do not allow unrestricted background processing for all code.Step 3: Option A states that iOS supports multitasking with controlled background execution modes for third party apps, which fits this design.Step 4: Option B incorrectly claims there is no multitasking at all, which does not match current behaviour.Step 5: Options C and D misrepresent how third party apps interact with the system, so option A is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
On an iOS device, you can start a music streaming app and then switch to another app while the music continues playing. Navigation apps can continue providing turn by turn instructions after the screen locks. These behaviours demonstrate that third party apps can perform certain tasks while not in the foreground, under system control. At the same time, if you inspect developer documentation, you will see background modes such as audio, location updates and background fetch, all of which are limited and must be declared explicitly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes a single task operating system with no multitasking, which is not accurate for modern iOS. Option C claims that only system apps benefit from multitasking, but many third party apps clearly run in the background in supported categories. Option D attributes multitasking to hardware accessories rather than to the operating system, which is not how multitasking is implemented.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers sometimes assume that they can run arbitrary long running tasks in the background on iOS and are surprised when the system suspends their app. Others think multitasking is identical to desktop operating systems and ignore mobile constraints. For exams and interviews, it is enough to state that iOS supports multitasking with controlled background execution modes that allow specific tasks while preserving battery and responsiveness.

Final Answer:
Yes, iOS supports multitasking with controlled background execution modes where third party apps can perform certain tasks, such as audio playback or background fetch, within defined limits.