by B.J. Tolentino

Created on: September 16, 2010

In a September 9, 2010 official statement, Apple has announced that it is loosening control over how developers  create iOS apps for as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. In addition, Apple for the first time publishes the App Store Review Guidelines in its effort to be more transparent with its developers. This surprising announcement is Apple's way of easing the many criticisms levelled against its iOS development program.    

This development is a reversal of an earlier Apple update of its iPhone developer agreement which in effect banned Adobe and other cross-compilers that developed apps on platforms such as Flash and .net. Adobe, which was seemingly crushed when Steve Jobs published his very own "Thoughts on Flash" (which promptly received a "We love you Apple" reply from Adobe) was the biggest beneficiary of this development.

Apple though didn't just do it from the goodness of its heart. First, there is the clear and present danger of Google Inc., the growing number of Android OS powered smartphones (more than 60 to date) which in effect is outselling iPhones in the process. The reversal is seen as a reaction from the competitive threat from Google.

Then there is the continually building pressure from industry regulators (antitrust officials) on Apple's mobile business. One of the very contentious issue on this matter is the refusal of Apple to approve Google voice telephony apps. However, a CNN report suggests that a breakthrough is coming. A Google voice app called GV mobile (developed by Sean Kovacs) is reportedly undergoing review and will be approved in a couple of days.

There are opposing arguments on the effect of a more open environment to the development of iOS apps. One school of thought is that the ban can serve more good than harm to Apple since cross-platform softwares have never been considered ideal for its native platforms. Apple needs quality since it has more than enough quantity. Others believe however that there is no way Apple can continue to grow (or compete with Google) if it doesn't allow other languages to the iPhone.

With the announcement, Apple also indicated the formation of an Apple App Review Board to give developers an avenue to appeal the rejection of an application in cases wherein the functionality of technical information is misunderstood. It is an important step to iron out the accusations of the arbitrariness of Apple's approval process.

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