Since the moment of the iPhone's release, users have wanted instant messaging on the handset. With Apple's upcoming software development kit for the device, developers have been made to understand that such a program will most likely not be able to run in the background and won't be able to receive messages when the iPhone is sleeping or in the middle of other functions.

According to AppleInsider, Apple filed a patent in August of 2007 which was just granted that describes on instant messaging technology on the iPhone.

The drawing included with the patent filing looks identical to the SMS application on the iPhone, with some key differences. The first major difference is word suggestions that appear as bubbles above the keyboard. This service could be used as a substitute for MMS (multi media messaging), which the current iPhone is currently lacking.

Instant messaging is currently possible on the iPhone, albeit users need to jailbreak their iPhones in order to achieve this.

As always, let us know what you think over in the comments or forums.