Developers ‘chomping at the virtual bit’ for Apple iPhone SDK

“Macworld may be over, but for a group of developers the most important Apple news has yet to be unveiled: the much-anticipated iPhone software development kit (SDK),” Elizabeth Woyke reports for Forbes.

“Developers say they can’t wait to get their hands on the SDK, which is expected to be released in late February and will allow third-party developers to create native applications for Apple’s iPhone. But developers are also anxious about how Apple may monitor and distribute applications. So far, Apple has been characteristically mum about its SDK-related plans,” Woyke reports.

“Most developers agree on one point: Developing for the iPhone, which has sold 4 million units since its late-June 2007 launch and quickly grabbed a leading share of mobile Internet traffic, is too great an opportunity to pass up,” Woyke reports.

Full article here.

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “MacVicta” for the heads up.]

44 Comments

  1. Notice that nobody is commenting on the actual story, since we’re all so fascinated by the headline? I think that that qualifies this as a ‘non-story’. Of COURSE the developers are . . .um, waiting with braided breath for the SDK! (Braided breath is accepted usage here in Sarasota. ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”grin” style=”border:0;” />

  2. Chomp, champ, chafe – according to our trusty dictionary that is built into Leopard, they all mean the same when used in that phrase.

    But to address the article, I guess all the doom and gloom about waning interest in the iPhone was just fodder to fill real and virtual editorial columns.

  3. Not just developers. End users like me are itching to buy some cool, wicked and insanely great stuff for the iPhone. It’s potential to blow the doors out of those other wannabe iPhone killers is just around the corner. I can’t wait.

  4. …developers are also anxious about how Apple may monitor and distribute applications. So far, Apple has been characteristically mum about its SDK-related plans,…

    Hmm let me guess…

    1: Allow third party apps only limited access.
    2: Copy third party apps, improve on them and make it part of the iPhone OS.
    3: Force third party to sue to no avail.
    4: PROFIT!!

  5. Old Mac Man, you sound like an Old Mac Developer ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” /> you certainly have a point. it’s a risk anyone developing for the iPhone will need to consider.

    personally i do hope there’s at least some quality control involved with third-party apps. last thing i need is some buggy program rendering my iPhone useless.

  6. I find it interesting that Apple originally said “February” for the SDK and I remember hoping they’d have it done early or at least discuss it at Macworld in January.

    Instead Jobs referred to it as “late February,” so I guess that means 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29 and we’ll just have to wait….

  7. @ OldMacMan

    Negative post and not entirely true.

    They have announced the method already (code will be submitted, not compiled apps), and the apps will run as “mobile” instead of root. Other than the usual pornography filters, that will probably be it.

    Oh, they won’t obviously allow illegal apps, so that means that the majority of the hacker apps (which amount to rip-offs of nintendo games etc.) won’t be available.

  8. Wish list:

    1. App that blocks incoming calls from specific phone numbers
    2. Flash plug-in (much as I hate Flash there are just too many web pages that use it)
    3. App that allows the user to adjust camera settings

    Anyone else? I’m curious to hear what other users would like to see.

  9. “Most developers agree on one point: Developing for the iPhone, which has sold 4 million units since its late-June 2007 launch and quickly grabbed a leading share of mobile Internet traffic, is too great an opportunity to pass up,”

    Don’t forget the ipod touch and future devices.

  10. I hope the SDK is open enough that the Jailbreak folk will move over to it. There’s been alot of experimentation and experience gained in that community.

    I’d like Skype & microphone for my Touch.
    A proper GPS that works with GoogleMaps.
    A simple spreadsheet.
    A good scientific/programmers calculator. The default calculator seems to be deliberately primitive.
    And solitaire.

  11. Whenever the SDK is ready to unveil I predict a special event at which the methodology of loading apps is demonstrated, along with some additional apps (produced by Apple) already available via the ITS. I also think Steve will announce the 3G iPhone (because Apple will be filing with the FCC soon) AND introduce the 16GB iPhone available immediately.

  12. “They have announced the method already (code will be submitted, not compiled apps), and the apps will run as “mobile” instead of root.”

    I remember reading something akin to that, as well. Personally, I have my doubts that Apple will get many takers on that one. At least, not without Apple signing lots of NDAs with developers (and Apple never signs NDAs with developers…)

    But, I don’t believe that Apple has announced anything. There has been some talk, idle rumor (“Oh, it might work this way…”), etc. But I don’t think it has officially been announced, other than people at Apple talking some possible models.

    I have to admit, it will be interesting to see what shakes out come late February. As I’ve said elsewhere, the only thing keeping me from buying an iPhone is the lack of SDK and 3G.

  13. Dear Steve (or if you are not in position to pull this off, then some clever developer who can and will)

    Appreciate you are trying to work with ATT to manage data bandwidth in a manner that doesn’t overload the Edge Cell Network (or whatever it’s called).

    And because of that you only allow iTunes Music Store transfers over WiFi.

    Well, just can’t get a WiFi connection in ALL the places we must use our iPhone when we need to get into the Store if we’re not in an area with WiFi – dig ?

    So – please – you (or some clever developer) come up with a way to allow us to get into iTunes Store and download songs via Edge.

    Is ok if you put a ‘speed limit’ on the transfer – no problem, I’ll wait a bit longer if needed. Sure don’t want to be the one responsible for bringing down ATT’s Edge Network.

    But I do need to get at the Store – anytime, anyplace.

    On behalf of all Mobile Disc Jockeys everywhere who are doing a Wedding and get an off-the-wall request from the Bride’s Mother for the ONE song we don’t have in our Library.

    Thanks
    BC Kelly
    Tallahassee Fla

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