iPhone opened to external developers

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 18 Oct 2007 at 08:09

Apple is allowing outside developers to create programs for its iPhone that will run in native mode, overturning a policy that had generated fierce criticism from some of its customers.

Steve Jobs, speaking on Apple's website, says a kit for developers will be available in February, giving the company time to work out how to open up the phone without exposing it to malicious programs.

"We think a few months of patience now will be rewarded by many years of great third party applications running on safe and reliable iPhones," Jobs says. "Since the iPhone is the most advanced phone ever, it will be a highly visible target."

Apple could require a digital signature for programs to authenticate their developer, he adds, referring to a system mobile phone maker Nokia is implementing.

While this makes such a phone less than "totally open, we believe it is a step in the right direction," Jobs says.

Until now, Apple has only allowed software engineers to create programs deliverable through the iPhone's Safari browser, severely limiting their functionality. The company has justified this policy by citing security concerns about opening up its platform.

An estimated 200 applications have been created on those terms, but consumers and software makers have argued that the extra layer of security is unnecessary and has only served to throttle innovation.

Apple says the decision has not changed its policy on locking the phone to specific networks, despite repeated attempts by developers to unlock the iPhone.

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