Apple loosens grip on iPhone software

[Uber_Tiny]

In an apparent about-face, Apple Inc. will allow third-party applications to work directly on the iPhone, Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in a posting on the company's Web site Wednesday.

Apple infuriated developers and some iPhone users when it issued a software update September 27 that disabled unofficial programs installed on the handsets.

Until Wednesday, Apple had tried to control which applications consumers had on their iPhones.

Now, Jobs said the company intends to release a software development kit in February that will let coders create applications to work directly on the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The Touch is the new iPod portable player that resembles the iPhone but lacks the function of a cell phone.

"We are excited about creating a vibrant third-party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users," Jobs said in the posting.

It is easy to find many unofficial programs for the iPhone on the Internet; users just had to take the risk of installing them, knowing that any damage to the iPhone stemming from unofficial programs was not covered by Apple's warranty.

"I'm thrilled," said Erica Sadun, a Denver computer programmer. "I hope it is exactly as they say, full third-party development."

A Mac enthusiast and blogger -- and a critic of Apple's decision to restrict the iPhone to carrier AT&T Inc. in the United States -- Sadun predicted Apple's change of heart will ultimately help the company sell more iPods and iPhones.

An unknown number of users have "unlocked" their handsets to work on other carrier networks. The September 27 software update reportedly disabled those phones.

It was not clear from Jobs' statement whether the move was a response to the growing discontent around Apple's iron grip over its portable gadgets.

Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris declined to say why Apple made the change, noting instead that Jobs said the process of opening the iPhone to third-party programs will take time.

Apple's change does not affect the Cupertino-based company's position on keeping the iPhone compatible only with AT&T's network in the United States, Kerris said.

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I'm sure they are doing this just because if they don't they will most likely lose more money. But that means Apple actually listens to it's customers needs and wants rather than their wallets. Some one grab a thermometer and check Mr.Jobs for a fever. Sounds like the man is sick....in the head.

[Lord Vader]

Does anyone have an Iphone? and why if you do. :cool: But i can understand wanting one since they do make you jump higher, run faster, and i hear everytime you step outside women just follow behind you in a group sighing

[Uraloserface101]

i think an iphone is cool, but the atnt 5 year lock is stupid, im sure u guys heard of the ibrick, if Atnt notices u have a unlocked iphone they send a signal to ibrick it and then they got sued by 3 different law firms. this is probably another reason for letting loose a little

[Lord Vader]

what? no way! but does not surprise me at all. hmmm yep Ibricks wow that is sad