The Flaw of the iPhone: How Apple's Restraint Hurts Them More Then it Helps

As incredible of a device the iPhone is, it lacks a way for people to truly unleash the power within the iPhone. Indeed, while many people are content with what the iPhone has, it is clear that eventually, more power in the shape of new software and ways to use the device. Unfortunately, Apple, in keeping with its long-standing tradition of keeping everything to itself, is refusing to provide a legitimate means of accomplishing this. Steve Jobs's lack of providing what's known as a Software Development Kit, or SDK for short, will hurt the iPhone in the long run.

The case for an SDK

Let me first say that I'm not stating that Apple should give out the iPhone's code. That's a definite no. What an SDK does is provide a way for software developers to use the code of the iPhone to create programs specifically for them. In other words, they can use the iPhone as a way to bolster their own programs. These programs can then be installed on other people's iPhones for them to use, either for free or for a fee.

Why is this a good thing? There are several reasons why this would be good. First, it provides an additional means of income to programmers out there, as well as popularity from their applications. Second, Apple could attempt to make some money out of it by charging a license, or having advertisements in programs. This way, even Apple would win from providing a means for programming the iPhone.

Lastly, what if the applications that the iPhone possesses just aren't enough? Apple would be right in stating that they would lose money in this case, but for the most part, people aren't going to care. However, In the event that better versions of the initial apps are needed, who better to make them then developers who could better listen to people then a major corporation (Which is what you are, Apple, as much as you try to hide that fact.) Again, Apple could charge a license for the SDK, which would allow them to recuperate from the losses. Besides, I'm fairly certain the Zune won't be overthrowing the iPod anytime soon, and that will remain quite profitable for iPod. Then again, it might not have been the case if Microsoft had released an SDK for the Zune.

If Apple doesn't do it, someone else did it already

News has recently spread that hackers have already created an unauthorized SDK for Apple's little iPhone. Although not as powerful as a true SDK could be, it's going to do for most people, and it will allow people to create their software just as good as a normal SDK would. From what I've gathered, it looks like it does what the other iPhone "apps" do: Manipulate Safari in a way that would work as an app. Does Steve Jobs really want this happening?

Look, Apple: You need to make a way for other people to contribute to your little gift to the world. Look at the Sony PSP: It had the potential to be so many powerful things, but because Sony decided that it would be better locked down, the Nintendo DS reigns as the portable gaming champion in the world. What if Samsung, Motorola, or another company decides to create a phone similar to the iPhone, and they released an SDK? People would flaunt their software, and people will disappear from your iPhone. Yes, you were the first, but you certainly aren't the last. If you don't open up to all the people who are trying to help you, your little smartphone will eventually drown in the sea of open accessibility.