Let me just say it: We want native third party applications on the iPhone, Jobs said on the company’s website yesterday.
Since the iPhone first went on sale on June 29 in the US, developers have been allowed only to write Web applications for it through the device’s Safari browser. This made it more difficult for devs to build programs and, consequently, attracted some bad PR for Apple.
Jobs gave no reasons for why the company had a change of heart. Nor did he provide any details on potential terms of the SDK, such as whether it will come with restrictions on what type of applications devs can create. Will they be able to compete with Apple’s own services, such as iTunes? And will Apple charge them for access to the iPhone platform or will it make them sign any revenue-sharing contracts?
Jobs did address the delayed February release; he said it was because Apple is trying to shore up iPhone’ security to protect it from viruses, malware and privacy attacks. This is no easy task. Some claim that viruses and malware are not a problem on mobile phones – this is simply not true, he said.
He said mobile-phone viruses had already spread throughout some cellular networks. As our phones become more powerful, these malicious programs will become more dangerous, Jobs said. And since the iPhone is the most advanced phone ever, it will be a highly visible target.
He seemed to suggest that Apple would take a similar approach to Nokia, which he praised for not allowing any applications to be loaded onto some of its newest phones without a digital signature that can be traced to a known developer. While this makes such a phone less than ‘totally open,’ we believe it is a step in the right direction, he said.
The SDK would give devs broad access to natively program the iPhone platform while at the same time protecting users from malicious programs, Jobs said.
It would also enable developers to create applications for Apple’s iPod touch.
Our View
The SDK opens the door for more enterprise applications on the iPhone, and will enable users to have their BlackBerry and other corporate email software on the device.
The three-month delay seems fishy. Some industry pundits have speculated that it is a strategic move by Apple to firm up the security of the platform before it releases some other form of touch screen device at its June developer’s conference.
