Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

iPhone SDK Looks to Keep Programmers’ Wares in the App Store

By
iPhone SDK Looks to Keep Programmers

Although not everybody with an iPhone wants to jailbreak the device and explore the wild and wooly world of iPhone applications not sanctioned by Applem, the Cupertino company is apparently taking a dim view of developers who want to create programs and applications and distribute them in some way besides the officially sanction iTunes App Store. The latest version of the iPhone software development kit (SDK) forbids developers from distributing their programs in any way except via ad hoc distribution of via the App Store—which, of course, famously only offers programs that have met Apple’s still-unstated criteria for distribution.

The new clause in terms for the iPhone SDK reads: “Applications developed using the Apple Software may only be distributed if selected by Apple (in its sole discretion) for distribution via the App Store or for limited distribution on Registered Devices (ad hoc distribution) as contemplated in this Agreement.” Developers pay $99 to enroll in the developer program. Enterprises can sign up for $299, although enterprise developers don’t get App Store distribution as an option; instead, they can use in-house ad-hoc distribution to get applications to employees. Enterprises are categorized as businesses or organizations with 500 or more employees.

Recommended Videos

Apple’s move is no doubt a shot across the bow at Cydia, an application that comes with software designed to “jailbreak” iPhones and break them loose from AT&T or other authorized carriers and lets the devices run unauthorized software. Cydia recently launched a storefront for unauthorized iPhone applications, enabling developers to earn money for iPhone programs that aren’t available through Apple. Technically, developers who use the new iPhone SDK to create applications distributed via unapproved channels would now be exposing themselves to liability for breach of contract with Apple. And Cydia may not be Apple’s only target: another company has promised to open a storefront for adult-oriented iPhone applications.

Related

Apple’s move may serve the heighten the debate over ownership and rights on mobile devices. When users by a PC, neither Apple nor Microsoft or any other organization has any claim on controlling what software may be installed on the system; however, with the iPhone and iTunes App Store, Apple has asserted itself as the sole arbiter of what programs and services may or may not be used on the iPhone.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
How to schedule a text message on your iPhone
Close-up photo of the Messages app on an iPhone.

Do you often send text messages to a friend or family member across the pond? Or do you want to message someone when you know they’re off work and are able to get to you in a reasonable manner? Maybe you want to send a message every day at the same time, to let your significant other know you’re on the way home and to ask if they need you to pick up anything.

If you said yes to any of these scenarios (or other ones you have in your head), you may be looking for a way to schedule text messages on your iPhone. After all, this is a feature that Android users have, and it can often prove incredibly convenient.

Read more
iPhone SE deals: Refurbished 2nd and 3rd Gen iPhones
apple iphone se 2020 news new black camera and touch id 04152020

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most popular phones on the planet, and whatever its current model happens to be almost always ranks among the best phones. This makes the iPhone an expensive purchase, which is where the iPhone SE comes in. Apple launched the iPhone SE in order to make an iPhone affordable to more people. The SE utilizes technology that’s a generation or two old and will often take the form factor of a previous iPhone model. Right now the it's a great phone to turn to for even more savings. There are some iPhone SE deals to take a look at out there, and while it’s difficult to find newer iPhone SE models, you can shop refurbished knowing the big retailers are likely backing the purchase with warranties and solid return windows. So whether you’re looking for some great iPhone deals or phone deals in general, below you’ll find the best iPhone SE deals to shop right now.
iPhone SE 2nd Gen deals

The second generation of the iPhone SE was initially launched in 2020, but it still manages to keep up with the needs of many phone users today. It utilizes the body of the Apple iPhone 8, which means it will have a home button and fingerprint ID instead of the Face ID technology in current iPhone models. That’s not much to give up, however, as the second generation iPhone SE still has a great display, a 12-megapixel camera with the ability to shoot 4K video, and wireless charging capability.

Read more
I keep forgetting about the Apple Watch Series 9’s coolest feature
Apps on the Apple Watch Series 9's screen.

I’m just going to come out and say it: I love the Apple Watch Series 9. A couple of weeks ago, I returned to wearing it every day after an extended period of not doing so. And you know what? I was surprised by how much I’d missed it.

But one thing has bothered me this time around: There's a feature I haven't been using. Not because it’s bad, but because I tend to forget it's there.
Effortless to own and wear

Read more