Apparently a new set of leaked Apple patents show where Apple are heading with a new iPhone reports an article over on techdigest, as Apple looks to be including a location sharing feature in the 4th generation iPhone.

Obviously the patents neither confirm nor deny any rumours floating the new waves on the next iPhone, but they do give an indication as to what Apple is looking into.

Apparently with the location sharing function, info could be sent via instant message or text service thus updating your friends quickly on your location.

As you probably remember, Apple put a halt to Google Latitude for the iPhone last year, and it would appear the reason for doing so is that they are intending on offering their own version

There is also mention of instant messaging abilities as well as a front facing camera, and with Apple purchasing map maker PlaceBase, it does look like location software is heading for the new iPhone.