Get your SDK engines running

What about SDK for iPod classics?

The way this is panning out, it would not surprise me for Apple to make developers have to pay for the SDK. (Whether its to register a key or whatever), and then, perhaps, have to pay to distribute their apps (minimally have to pay to register the application with iTunes).

The reason they'll charge for the SDK is basically to prevent Jane DoubleLatteNoFoam from readily downloading packages off of the web and installing them on their phone.

They may not specifically charge for the SDK but they may make it available only to higher end ADC members (like ADC Select members) that have paid for their subscriptions.

The thinking is that obviously a developer will need to be able to download code to their phone, otherwise what's the point.

I would like to think that they're not going to sell a "developers iPhone", but that any iPhone will do.

Then, the only two mechanisms to get an app on the phone will be through the SDK, or through iTunes.

In order to get a program from the SDK, the phone will have to be bound to the SDK (i.e. it will only be able to use applications signed by a specific SDK instance). So, you'll use your iPhone, download a "register SDK" app from iTunes, use that app to log in to the Apple Dev Center, and register the phone much like iTunes is registered now. Perhaps a phone can be registered to "a few" SDKs.

At that point, Joe Random user won't be able to download Fred Developers binary and install it on their iPhone, unless it's published through iTunes.

Instead, the user will have to "build" the application using their SDK, which signs the app with their key, which is registered with their iPhone. The SDK tool set then installs the app on the iPhone. In order to do that, the application must be distributed in a form that's "buildable" by the SDK. Now, this could be simply source code, or something as arcane as a big ol binary library with a shell of a wrapper in source code calling in to it (so they developer doesn't have to distribute "source code").

The iPhone may well even be limited to how many "SDK" apps it can install at one time, but I doubt that.

So, that means that users will not have a (readily) painless path to get 3rd party apps on to their iPhone, save those available on iTunes. It means you install a non-iTunes application, you'll need an SDK and a key. And if that costs money, that will deter random users from downloading random programs. Both from the cost point of view, along with building and deploying/installing point of view.

Also, by only allowing signed applications, Apple will "always" know who signed and developed a particular application (which means they could, perhaps, revoke the key or whatever if the developer goes astray or if a key gets stolen).

That's just the way I think this is going to pan out, I don't think that Apple is going to let every and anyone be able to develop and distribute binary apps for their iPhone through arbitrary channels.

Though I do think they should open up "widget" like coding (effectively embedded webapps) on the phone to the public at large.

I want a yellow sticky tee!

iPhone SDK AND Super Smash Brothers Brawl in the same weekend? Still my beating heart....

LAME!!!!

I will definatly admit to being an Apple fanboy, but I really hope there is a good excuse. Web-apps are lame, and I really don't feel like voiding my warrenty to get applications. For crying out loud, they announced they were going to release the thing, and now they give us a 'road map'??

I liked Apple better when they only talked about products that were already shipping from their warehouse...

why havent i heard anyone mention this in the past few months: what if the sdk doesnt work for current-gen iphones and ipod touches?

is this going on TOMORROW at 10 am pacific time?

Really, who cares at this point? Some info on the internals of the iPhone would be nice, but I really doubt that Apple has any mobile installer/updater planned as good as the one we already have on jailbroken phones. More than likely distribution will be coupled to iTunes and free applications may wind up nonexistent in their scheme. We will see. But really, nine months have gone by and the constant refrain "just give them some time" is a tad stale. All that is promised is a road map. I'd prefer some solid destinations.

February 34th, right on schedule!

Awww poor TUAW :(