EFF releases iPhone developer license agreement

I think people are missing the point here.

From what I see the main problem with the agreement, is the fact that you can't sell your own software by any other mean than through App Store "even if Apple has rejected the app for any reason".

So, let's say you work your ass off, and Apple rejects your app. You can't simply put on our own web site and sell it. Period!

And what about the fact that the development tool can simply lock your device in test mode? Virtually bricking your device?

On the other hand, if I develop a software to, say, XBox or Wii or even PS3, I can sell it any way I choose, by any means I choose.

And don't let me get started on the Windows Mobile...

Regards,

Paulo Santos

This smells just like the stink Greenpeace made about Apple's green credentials [whilst bigging-up the likes of HP & Dell (who were doing far less than Apple in practice) based simply on what each manufacturer had put up on their website].

How different is this (Apple's licence agreement) from Wii or PS3 or XBox developer programs? I believe that you have to be very wealthy to develop on the other platforms, whereas Apple has just dropped its tiered developer program and settled for a reasonably-priced all-in-one set-up.

Much ado about nothing. Storm in a teacup.

What I think people are failing to see here is that Apple single handedly created and made popular this new platform of content distribution... so technically, yes, they pretty much own it.

Just like Sony owns the PS3 platform and I'll bet the license agreement is pretty similarly strict.

What Apple has done is opened up a popular market to a wide range of developers. They've created a platform that makes it possible for a single person to create an app, distribute it and even make money. Just like any other platform, in exchange, they're asked to follow certain rules or not participate. It's really standard practice.

"In a step towards transparency..."

More like another step towards boring church ritual.

Apple has become the latest target of the twenty-something geeks that have nothing better to do with their lives than to compile the latest nightly build of the Linux kernel, run the latest version of Android on their netbooks or smartphones and generally rant and rave about "free" while living in their parent's basements not having to pay any bills or living expenses.

To Leo M. and those thinking in a similar vein: you do realize that Apple is where it is today, with the product line it has, and the market success it has, directly as a result of its 'closed and one-sided ... contracts and business practices.' You may not like their methodology, but it works, and works well. Apple wasn't always like this but they learned the hard way to zealously protect every aspect of their product development and technology.

And let's not be foolish. The EFF didn't do this for the greater good. They did this for their own purposes. It's hard to believe the EFF actually has some great minds working for its cause when you read something like it's "a very one-sided contract, favoring Apple at every turn,". That's quite a surprise. Normally when I sign contracts with exclusive suppliers they strive for balance. Sure they do.

I have to wonder how different this from any console dev contract. The EFF is making a big stink about this one - which is fine, I contribute to them every so often, and have no problem with their activities - but I don't see how this is any different from the publishing and development system set up around, say, the PS3 or the 360 or whatever. From what I know of those contracts - which involves one (1) conversation with a guy I know who works at a game studio that's published a few 360 games - they're even more draconian ... so why yelp about the Apple ones in particular?

I should preface this by saying that I love Apple's products, etc. etc.

Thank you EFF for doing this. It's about time. I don't think things should be as open as they are in the world of Android but they should definitely not be as closed and one-sided as in Apple's contracts and business practices.

Practice a little balance.

Wow the EFF is going to be in huge trouble...Apple says in the agreement you can't disclose it and that means we'll be seeing them in court soon. Good riddance.