iPhone SDK details leaked

Apple tries to keep control according to rumours

29 February 2008 18:15 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Details have leaked out on the Web about the forthcoming Apple event on 6 March about what the Software Developers Kit (SDK) will actually allow programmers to do with the iPhone.

According to iLounge citing sources "familiar with Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch software development kit (SDK) plans", developers keen to have a free reign on what they build will be disappointed.

The leaks suggest that the iTunes store will act as a hub very much like it does with podcasts allowing developers a payment metric as well as offering iPod and iPhone applications in one searchable place.

Doing it this way, claim the sites sources, will allow Apple to formally approve or deny all SDK-based software releases for its devices and in our opinion opens up the possibility of a bounty that could be added for listing the applications.

It is unclear whether Apple will need to approve subsequent bug fixes and feature additions to accepted applications - another issue that could clog the approval system and postpone important improvements.

The story also implies that the SDK won't give developers access to all the hardware on the iPhone and the iPod touch.

According to the report, developers won't get access to the Dock Connector hence removing any possibility of a hardware based accessory add-on like a GPS module.

Integrated iPhone or iPod touch features such as the phone, Wi-Fi, and camera will be developer-accessible however, although Bluetooth 2.0 is also under consideration for being excluded.

Finally the article cites that the final SDK won't be released until Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference event in San Francisco.