iPhone Developer Program

iPhone as default has limited applications built it. Steve Jobs announced previously that Apple will open iPhone to developers. On March 6, Steve launch the iPhone Software Roadmap. Apple will allow developers to develop their applications for iPhone and Apple is willing to promote it to all iPhone users with a profit sharing arrangement (30% to Apple and 70% to Developers). The developers will have full liberty to decide the selling price.

If developers who wish to give out the applications for free, Apple will distribute it at no cost via iTunes. At the same if the application come in future updates, iPhone users will be prompt to download and install the updates for free.

With this arrangement, Apple have create a new channel for iPhone users to select their applications to be download and at the same time developers can ride on this program to distribute their applications.

iPhone users can download & install the applications via wifi or local network connections from iTunes and use it almost immediately.

However, Apple mentioned that certain type of applications such as gambling, porn, etc will be rejected as part of the limitations for this program. Developers who wish to participate in this program are required to pay a fee of $99 for Standard Program and $299 for Enterprise Program.

We are about to see hundred of applications flooding itunes and it is already happening. If you look at the numbers of iPod accessories available in the market, you can tell how successful this program can be for iPhone.

I really hope, they have good word processing and spreadsheet applications which can share with Microsoft Office. I am sure many PC users love that. This will give the windows mobile users a good reason to change to iPhone.