iPod/iPhone SDK from Apple a Mixed Blessing

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 3:40pm — Chauncey Dupree

The web is alight with delight today about the Apple announcement of the iPod/iPhone SDK. While it is certainly good news for Apple fans and a welcome industry move by Apple, the press release had plenty of caveats.

As we stated before, Apple will be the sole distributor of the iPod and iPhone software and most likely distribute it through the iTunes delivery that it currently uses for games on the iPod. They will also take a large cut of the revenue that the software produces. They will only distribute software they deem necessary, safe and worthwhile.

All of this is Apple's right. The video games consoles do this. T-mobile does this with the Sidek!ck. Nothing wrong with this. As a matter of fact, yo can rest assured that there won't be any viruses or backdoors in any of the software that goes on your iPhone. The software will likely be very stable and will behave nicely with all of the other software on your phone.

However, it is also a lot of fun to play with hacked applications. And a lot of cool things come out of open platforms. This model that Apple is promoting is cutting a lot of small developers out of the fold. It'd be a shame for Apple to miss out on this very creative part of the technology experience.

Edit: Engadget points out that Apple's plan isn't as open as Nokia's like stated in the press release. Don't hate on the messenger!

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Comments

The announcement said

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 4:36pm — Rod Novca (not verified)

The announcement said nothing about Apple being the 'sold distributor'. They said they liked the idea that the code would be digitally signed, but that's it. Stop making stuff up.

I remember a lot of that

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 7:57am — Dwight (not verified)

I remember a lot of that being said about their hardware news. The fattie Nano for example? Yeah, I was somewhat skeptical of that too. It'll be interesting to see how close this prediction is. One thing that seems apparent to me, Jobs' wording in that item certainly suggests they are going to go past simple signing.

Not that it is going to matter that much for most iPhone/Touch users. It's the 1%ers that'll have their style badly cramped with Apple unwilling to sign-off (literally) on software that falls in a grey, or outright libel, legal standing. It's really a question of how easy it'll be to opt out of the signing requirements. Given Apple's history it is a good guess that it'll be tough enough that few outside the 1%ers will do it.

"They will also take a large

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 5:00pm — frosty (not verified)

"They will also take a large cut of the revenue that the software produces. They will only distribute software they deem necessary, safe and worthwhile."

You really need to work on your journalism skills if you want to be taken seriously. Making statements that are pure conjecture (even though they may prove to be true at a later date) is amateur.

I don't agree with you most of the time, but I'd like to at least respect you. Make an effort!

does Apple charge for

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 5:30pm — Tom (not verified)

does Apple charge for desktop widgets? Does Apple charge for any software apps for the iPhone? How does your statement compare to the cut Apple gets from iTunes music?

Does Apple charge for 40,000

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 5:44pm — GizmoDan (not verified)

Does Apple charge for 40,000 podcasts?

I am ecstatic with the

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 5:59pm — RayCon (not verified)

I am ecstatic with the prospect of 3rd party software. It will go a long way toward mirroring the success of the iPod. I do think you're jumping to conclusions (with nothing to back up your claim) regarding Apple's cut. Apple, software developers and peripheral/accessory manufactures have a symbiotic relationship. One of the reasons the iPod is such a success has to do with the economy that has developed around it. It both benefits and benefits from Apple's product. While Apple must keep its shareholders happy, Steve Jobs is acutely aware of the Mac community, people who stood by Apple during the hard times. The Apple Store credit offered early iPhone adopters supports this supposition. Apple may take a small percentage. Call it a service fee for making sure the software plays nice. But, Apple will not rape the software developers and, in return, the software developers will make the iPhone more valuable.

Apple has always had standards regarding software development. One of the first things I tell would-be Windows converts is that you always know what you'll find under the File, Edit, and View menus on a Mac. Apple's attempt at preserving a modicum of standardization and safety is important, and I would be pleased to have them scrutinize the software that gets installed on my iPhone to ensure it doesn't fail when I need it most. Imagine a crashing phone in an emergency. Imagine someone suing Apple because they couldn't call 911. I rest my case.

What "percentage" will they

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 10:34am — big pics (not verified)

What "percentage" will they take on freeware and shareware (which makes up about 60-80% of my Mac downloads)??

Or will these be the "podcast price" items of iP/iPT software.

This is an entirely new computing platform which has captured the imagination of millions, and I expect much of the innovation will come from dedicated small shops and individuals providing simple but highly innovative and useful new small single purpose apps.

Will Apple embrace them or shut them out??

everyone knows that once the

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 6:48pm — huxley (not verified)

everyone knows that once the kit is out, the cat is out of the bag. you can rest your little heart, and know that you will STILL find a way to tinker with the precious little apps, that are so dear to you. last week you were crying about not having supported third party apps. now you get web based apps and in feb. you will get supported 3rd party apps. and still you find something to whine about. come on now, quit being a spoiled brat and take what daddy gives you. but if you break it dont expect him to fix it for you.

Ever install an app on a

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 6:56pm — dssstrkl (not verified)

Ever install an app on a Palm (not even a Treo) that caused it to enter an endless crash and reboot cycle requiring a full restore? If Apple maintaining standards prevents that crap from my iPhone, I'm all for it.

iToner is back!!!

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 7:08pm — Jeff (not verified)

iToner is back!!!

[quote=Jeff]iToner is

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 12:56am — skeptical (not verified)

[quote=Jeff]iToner is back!!![/quote]

Dear Mr Jobs.

I have software that allows users to get free ringtones and not have to pay you for them, isn't this great?. Please sign me up as a third party developer.

It's only business. At the

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 7:14pm — MacSheikh (not verified)

It's only business.

At the end of the day, Apple has to create value for the stockholders. If they do this by creating great products, not screwing too many people (you can't please everyone) and at the same time make some money (to keep stockholders happy and to continue making great products), i don't see why it's a bad thing.

The keyword here is "balance".

Are 9to5Mac writers

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 7:37pm — Danno Bonano (not verified)

Are 9to5Mac writers Microsoft wannabees? Seriously, you are starting to sound like one big bitch session.

Go buy another phone so you can crap it up with your hacked, poorly coded little applications that never work.

I'll take something vetted by Apple any day.

This type of crud just reeks of a snivley whiney spoiled little baby that has to have his own way all the time or he's taking his ball and going home.

Go sell your iPhone and make us all happy.

Oh man, did you feel the

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 7:52pm — MacNewbTube (not verified)

Oh man, did you feel the orgasm around the world!? =P

Could this mean real gaming on the iPhone/touch? With a predicted ten million user base by 2009 they could get a chunk of the portable gaming market.

I hate u because you don't

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 9:03pm — macmanager (not verified)

I hate u because you don't love Steve Jobs like I love him.

Ok I used to come here for

Wed, 10/17/2007 - 9:10pm — macmanager (not verified)

Ok I used to come here for some decent news but recently its just got annoying - stop putting a bad slant on every article!

[quote=Jeff]iToner is

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 12:58am — skeptical (not verified)

[quote=Jeff]iToner is back!!![/quote]

Dear Mr Jobs.

I have software that allows users to get free ringtones and not have to pay you for them, isn't this great?. Please sign me up as a third party developer.

Respect and thumbs up to

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 3:22am — Oliver Nielsen (not verified)

Respect and thumbs up to 9to5mac.com and Chauncey. Good to have some critical opinions on the whole I Love Mac craze. I'm also a mac-user, but I don't diss the naysayers.

It's disgusting how many mac-fans go into a defensive stance whenever Apple is facing a lawsuit or criticism from f.e. Greenpeace, or a civil case. Apple is a brand. A brand. A brand. Not your fucking saviour!

We modern people all need to read a little more Buddha and Lao Tzu and Dogen texts... To et rid of our all-encompassing attachment to all things materialistic, shiny and all. Wuauaw, a new iPod... Gotta have... Have had my previous iPod for 6 months now... I DESERVE a new iPod.

O please Mr. Jobs - tell me what to buy next... O please Jobby-boy...

Damn...

I'm not sure that you can

Fri, 10/19/2007 - 12:05pm — Matthew (not verified)

I'm not sure that you can read Buddha, Lao Tzu or Dogen based on your writing ability. The defensive stance here is due to the fact that apple is being bashed based on nothing but speculation. Nobody knows how the apps will be distributed or regulated. Please don't use so many "..."s in the future, it makes you look like you are 12 years old. And for the record, Apple is my saviour, I began my own small cult a few years ago. I have a sanctuary built out of old G4 cube cases that we worship in every Tuesday. Sometimes we get lucky and new hardware comes out, its a good time.

you guys are just fucktards

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:06am — macmanager (not verified)

you guys are just fucktards ... i hope you're better at flipping those burgers at your real job than this joke of reporting. Asshat.

you guys are just f-cktards

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 4:07am — macmanager (not verified)

you guys are just f-cktards ... i hope you're better at flipping those burgers at your real job than this joke of reporting. A--hat.

Woo Hoo!!! I am so smart.

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 6:28am — macmanager (not verified)

Woo Hoo!!! I am so smart. I am so smart. S-M-R-T, I mean S-M-A-R-T

Worst thing about Apple is

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 9:02am — macmanager (not verified)

Worst thing about Apple is the fanboy scene. I truly love Apple products but hate the fanboy users. You guys really don't have any idea what is the difference between journalism and advertising. What the hell do you want? Some idiotic Apple appraisal? -> http://www.apple.com/hotnews/

Rather apps that work from

Thu, 10/18/2007 - 10:02am — Johnny Mosrite (not verified)

Rather apps that work from Apple than ones that break the device. I'd like to see this device open to hobbyists as well as big pro teams - so let's see codecasts for free (and trial versions) and 'Pro' apps for a few dollars. And if the codecasts are smart they'll hold back a bunch of stuff to turn on when they picked up as Pro apps. This could work out great. And why not get a 'free ringtone' app available? Most phone owners are such cretins they pay $2.99 for a ringtone even with perfectly legit ways of doing it for free - why should that not be the same for the iPhone? The idiots (who the carriers rely on for their revenue anyway...) will keep on buying even when there's a freebie service.