Apple ships beta version of iPhone SDK
As predicted, the version of the long-awaited iPhone software developers kit (SDK) being released today is still in beta, or test mode. According to Steve Jobs, the finished software will be shipped to developers as a free software update in June. (See Apple’s press release here.)
These and other details of the so-called iPhone software roadmap were revealed today at an Apple (AAPL) special event on the company’s Cupertino campus.
After several demonstrations of what third-party developers were able to create with only two weeks notice — including a preliminary version of Electronic Arts’ Spore — Jobs spelled out the terms by which iPhone programs will be distributed.
- The developer picks the price and keeps 70% of the revenue, paid monthly
- There’s a one-time $99 iPhone developers fee
- Most developers will pick “free,” says Jobs, and Apple will host their software for free
- Apple distributes the software on the iTunes store
- Apple absorbs the credit card and hosting fees
- There are some apps Apple will not distribute (porn, malware, duh)
- iPhone update 2.0, due in June, will contain the enterprise support and the SDK
- iPod touch will also get these features, but for a “nominal” fee to be set in June
- Kleiner Perkins has created a $100 million iFund to support iPhone developers
Apple’s Developer Connection has always charged a $99 fee. This isn’t new with the iPhone. If you want to be independent developer for the Mac and use Apple’s tools you would still pay a $99 fee. Microsoft’s MSDN does something similar. Dare I say it’s a standard industry practice?
What does Apple have to do to please you? Griping about the fact it’s beta for now. Saying it’s $99.00 per application - no, that’s the developer fee. Build 100 apps, still only $99.00.
Who really knows how many developers will go ‘free’, you certainly don’t.
I’ve never seen so many jaundiced analysts and bloggers in my life. Disgusting.
Is Mr. Elmer-DeWitt starting to have a little faith in Apple? Didn’t hear too much negative language in this article. What a loser.
ex ped: Sorry. I was writing too fast to work up an attitude. I’ll try to do better next time.
Mea culpa! Just heard from a colleague who was at the conference this AM. Apple is indeed going to supply the SDK as a free update to developers in June. June it is. Oh well, we will just have to live with BETA for now and keep reporting bugs and send in enhancement requests.
CORRECTION:
iPhone Software 2.0, for consumers, will be shipped in June.
BETA version of 2.0, including SDK, shipping now to developers. When the final release of SDK will come out is not stated *but* it is definitely not June.
Got to read carefully before writing the article.
Thanks.
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Silicon Valley veterans like to joke that Steve Jobs must be surrounded by a reality distortion field; if you get too close to him, you start to believe what he's saying. Thanks to the success of the iPod, the launch of the iPhone and the renewed interest in the Mac, Apple has made believers out of millions of customers - and made a lot of investors rich. But Philip Elmer-DeWitt believes that an ounce of skepticism never hurts when writing about the company. He should know. He's been covering Apple - and watching Steve Jobs operate - since 1982, first for Time Magazine, then for Business 2.0, and now for Fortune.
$99.00 Developer FeeGlad to see you finally got it right, but why do WE have to be your eyes and ears and do your fact-checking. Just pathetic! There’s just no excuse for lazy, sloppy bloggism.