Apple announced the availability a new iPhone OS yesterday at its headquarters to registered developers.

The new OS, 3.0, includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK), Peer-to-Peer connection, an app interface for accessories, access to the iPod music library, a new Maps API and Push Notifications.

“The new iPhone OS 3.0 is a major software release packed with incredible new features and innovations for iPhone customers and developers alike. It will keep us years ahead of the competition,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The beta software apps have a capacity to interface with hardware accessories, enable developers to use Apple’s new Maps API to integrate Google Mobile Maps services, current location, custom annotations and geocoding.

The OS and SDK will be available for registered developers to download starting today from developer.apple.com.

The beta release will also include a new Voice Memo app and expanded search capability for all key iPhone apps.

iPhone customers will be able to download the new iPhone OS 3.0 software for free this summer however iPod touch customers needs to purchase the software update for $9.95 (US).

In addition, Apple also announced new features to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer including cut, copy and paste, MMS, landscape view for Mail, Text and Notes, stereo Bluetooth, syncing Notes to the Mac and PC, shake to shuffle, parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store, and automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots.

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