Earlier quoted context omitted.
The model is fairly similiar on Android too, for what it's worth.
This seems like something Apple would want to patent. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some new Apple Vs. Android, Apple Vs. Mozilla lawsuit about "background fetching".
- Apple: http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20100227632
- RIM: http://www.uberphones.com/2010/12/rim-sues-kik-patent-infringement/
- MS: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2009/mar09/03-25AXIGENPR.aspx