Apple Opens Up iPhone to Third-Party Software

In quite possibly one of the most historic moves ever, Apple announced that it would allow third-party software to run on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple plans to release a software development kit (SDK) sometime in February 2008 that would allow developers access to the two devices’ hardware.

Until now, developers had to make do with making little iPhone/Safari -compatible websites optimized for the device, or releasing unofficial “proggies” that required some technical know-how for the end-user.

CEO Steve Jobs previously denounced an open platform for developers, noting that such an action would bring about malware, viruses and other unsavory characters.

In a company blog entry, Jobs also supported Nokia’s use of signed applications for the Symbian operating system, which allows only trusted developers to obtain certificates required to install software.

Shares of Apple gained almost 2 percent today.

Apple to Open iPhone for Developers

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 at 5:28 pm and is filed under Wireless Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.