Apple Will Open the iPhone to Third-Party Software

Although many people have shown a strong interest in the iPhone, others have been more reticent because Apple closed this smartphone to third-party software developers.

However, it seems that Apple is bending to pressure, and is putting together some method to allow third-party developers write applications for the iPhone.

When asked about this subject yesterday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, "This is an important tradeoff between security and openness. We want both. We'll find a way to let third parties write apps and still preserve security on the iPhone."

The Quest for Stability

Although Jobs says he wants the iPhone to offer security to its users, Apple's primary goal in limiting third-party applications on the iPhone is almost certainly stability, and by extension support costs.

Poorly written applications are a significant cause of unstable and crash-prone handhelds and smartphones. By tightly controlling or even eliminating third-party software Apple insure that the iPhone is as stable a device as possible.

This is an important goal for Apple, as it will be handling all the technical support for this device.

But this stability comes at the cost of making the iPhone less flexible, as third-party developers are the ones who will write software to bring features to the iPhone Apple never envisioned.

An "Apple Approved" Sticker?

Jobs gave no details on his company's plans, but many are speculating that Apple will create a certification program, in which companies pay Apple to test their software on the iPhone. Only applications that have been so certified will run on the smartphone.

Some wireless carriers have similar certification programs for their products.

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Via Engadget