It has been confirmed that the iPhone will carry software developed by Apple and Cingular only. Apple has always been a company to hold their cards close and the unveiling of an entirely new platform idea is not the time for them to open the platform. They want to manage the user experience as much as possible and not introduce the potential for software bugs from a third party that could hinder the functionality of the device or network.

I expect Apple to open the iPhone to other software over time. Surely they will provide downloadable applications, wallpapers and ring tones through iTunes.

Third party development may be some time off although there are presently no plans for an API or developer tools. If Apple intends to explode the usefulness of the device they are likely to open to third party developers at some point, perhaps with a process requiring review by Apple before release to the public.

The lack of an API reduces the liklihood of the iPhone becoming the handheld gaming console I discussed earlier this week. I think Jobs and company are going to see the writing on the wall that sell the device at the price point they are after they will eventually need to further distance themselves from the crowd of competitors and the best way to do that is to add functionality. The best way to do that is to open the platform to third party developers.

Labels: iPhone, Software

This entry was posted by e, on Friday, January 12, 2007. You can leave your response.