After the warning last month that the installation of any third-party applications would render the iPhone warranty void, Apple has suddenly changed its mind and opened up to third-party software developers.
Some users could understand Apple’s voiding the warranty if unlocking software were installed that would allow users access to networks other than AT&T (with whom Apple has an exclusive deal in the US). But not allowing any outside applications including games or productivity software left a bad taste in their mouths.
Now Apple is not just willing but ‘excited’ about welcoming coders to come on board and get creative. However, it says it wants to make sure all applications can be digitally traced back to the developer.
In February 2008, a software developers’ kit will be released which, Jobs said, will “provide an advanced and open platform to developers” but also protect the iPhone from security or data threats such as viruses, malware or privacy attacks.
“We are excited about creating a vibrant third-party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users,” said Jobs.
The Apple boss noted that the software kit will also allow for creating applications for the iPod Touch, which is welcome news to Irish Apple fans who have had neither sight nor sound of an iPhone release in the near future.
Apple already encourages outside developers to create Web 2.0 applications that are compatible with the iPhone browser Safari.
“Developers can create Web 2.0 applications that look and behave just like the applications built into iPhone, and provide seamless integration with iPhone applications and services including making a phone call, sending an email and displaying a location in Google Maps,” the official Apple website declared this morning.
By Marie Boran
