Why the iPhone doesn't have apps yet, and why its going to take until Feb '08

[kdarling]

For consumers, I think security was the last thing on their mind.

Mm... Chicken and egg there. I guess it really depends on how you look at it. I think there were only two major issues when it came down to it. Time and security. "

Ah, I wasn't clear about the "they". I actually meant the consumers, not Apple, when I was talking about PDA security concerns.

As for timing, I think everyone can see that Apple released the iPhone before it was finished cooking. The ease of software updates was a two edged sword for us, because it also allowed them to push it out and worry about finishing it later.

Another timing push was, as you said, wanting a prompt ROI (return on investment).

Another was because originally other manufacturer's touch screen centric phones were slated for Summer release and they wanted to steal their thunder.

And my favorite reason: they didn't want a Christmas release (which would've otherwise been lucrative) because of the inability to use the touchscreen with gloves in half of the country. <grin>

 

[Daremo]

Ok, but Apple has to provide a method for testing the apps to Developers, plus we can already install 3rd-party apps in a way. Once the SDK is widely available I think we will see 3rd-party apps as soon as the week after its released. Just not necessarily through iTunes.

I think Apple will provide emulation to test the apps. OK, I agree, apps will be created right away, but I was talking about when the apps will be released through Apple and most likely iTunes. I have not hacked my phone, so I will wait for the official way for apps, but I did hack the Touch, so either way, I'll be happy.