Apple lover 9to5 Mac are quoting "multiple sources" to state that Apple's next mobile operating system, iOS 5, could bring with it over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Currently, when Apple releases a new version of its mobile platform (as it has done recently with iOS 4.3.3) fanboys need to find their white cable and carry out the update via an iTunes hook up.

Android users get their updates in a much more efficient way. Take HTC's announcement on Wednesday that it was rolling out Gingerbread for the Desire HD and the Incredible S, for example - users will simply be notified on their screen that an update is available and they can then update wirelessly.

If iOS 5 goes the same way, it will make iPhone and iPad updates a much less strenuous activity although Apple would need to refresh how it carries out its process. Using the 4.3.3 update as an example, the download was around 620MB - enough to kill, or at least dent, even the most generous of 3G data allowances.

In order to make the system available away from the shackles of a Wi-Fi connection, Apple would perhaps have to ditch the whole system download and instead offer patches.

And it would also have to re-think the way backups are performed - currently your handset is synced before it updates when partnered with iTunes. The answer, probably, lies somewhere in Apple's Castle in the iCloud.

The report states that Apple is in talks with Verizon in the States with regards to the wireless updates but there's no word yet on any AT&T or international carrier talks. We'd be surprised though if Apple had the capabilities for OTA updates but didn't apply it universally. That's not the Cupertino way at all.

All will (probably) be revealed at Apple's WWDC next month. So stay tuned to Pocket-lint for updates.