Tomorrow is the Apple iPhone SDK Event. Ever since we first heard Steve Jobs say that there would be an SDK, everyone has been super excited about this day. Most people expect an end to the iPhone hacks and a fresh start for all the new iPhone developers. Other people are a little bit more pessimistic. I don’t really fall into either of these categories.
I think Apple will release a full fledged SDK for the iPhone. Apple would not come this far to disappoint everyone by limiting the SDK. Their goal is to get people to not want to hack their phones, and use Apple approved software instead. This does not mean that they will let people write what ever kind of apps they want. For example, the app on a jail-broken iPhone that allows you to change the AT&T to what ever you want,
but at the same time, they will allow apps such as Colloquy (IRC Client). I think that most developers will be very happy about what Apple announces.
I also believe that this SDK, won’t be in developers hands until late March or early February. Apple called this event the “iPhone SDK roadmap.” The roadmap part leads me to believe that Apple will introduce the SDK, but then tell you that it will be released some time in the future.
Apple mentioned that they will be announcing some new enterprise features for the iPhone. This probably means that they have partnered up with some company to roll out exchange e-mail. My guess is that this will be integrated into mail.app, but it is possible that they are releasing a whole new app just for exchange mail. This would not only give people exchange support, but would also demonstrate the process of putting apps on your iPhone. I think that this process will be on iTunes, just like you would put a song or video on your iPhone. I also think that it is possible we will see other apps coming out tomorrow, from other big companies. There has been some speculation about a Slingbox app, which will allow you to watch TV on your iPhone, as long as you have a Slingbox. This would be very cool even though I myself do not have a Slingbox. If this app does not come out at the event, I am sure it will when the SDK is released.
If most of this does come true at the event, I will be very happy. As long as Apple says that there will be a full SDK for all third party developers in the next month, I will be happy. If Apple limits it and does not let everyone make apps, I will be unhappy. If Apple puts a mandatory charge on every app, I will also be unhappy.
We never really know what Apple will do before they do it. This is why I am making the decision today, that if Apple does not impress me tomorrow, I will jailbreak my iPhone. I want 3rd-party apps. Apple has their chance to give it to me tomorrow. If they do no succeed, I’m doing what it takes to get the apps I want. With ZiPhone 2.5, jail-breaking is a stress-free click away. If Apple doesn’t impress, there is no reason not to click that jailbreak button.
I hope Apple does the right thing. iPhone customers want 3rd-party apps, it’s a fact. We all know Apple love pleasing the customers, so why don’t they do it now. Apple, impress us, give us 3rd party apps.
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March 5th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
This just makes me want an iPhone/iPod Touch that much more…
March 18th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
When it is in EU?