Apple to hold "iPhone Software Roadmap" media event next week

[AppleInsider]

Apple Inc. will hold a special event for analysts and members of the media next week, March 6th, to formally announce plans for its much anticipated iPhone and iPod touch software developers kit (SDK).

"Please join us to learn about the iPhone software roadmap, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features," the company wrote in a digital invite distributed by email.

The event is set to take place at 10:00 a.m. sharp Pacific time at the "Town Hall" on Apple's Cupertino campus -- the same venue used for the introduction of the Intel-based Mac mini and iPod Hi-Fi in February of 2006, and the aluminum iMacs this past August.

Per usual, seating for the event will be extremely limited due to the size of the Apple Town Hall, which appears to hold only a couple hundred at best.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs had previously announced plans to unveil the iPhone SDK later this month, but true to recent rumors, delays forced the company to push out the unveiling by a couple of weeks. (Earlier information obtained by AppleInsider suggests that Apple had originally intended to present the SDK at an event on Thursday, February 21st.)

"Let me just say it: We want native third party applications on the iPhone, and we plan to have an SDK in developers’ hands in February," Jobs wrote in a posting to Apple.com back in October. "We are excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users."



In addition to outlining the procedures developers will need to follow in order to author and distribute their own applications through iTunes, Apple in its invite on Wednesday also promised to reveal some "exciting new enterprise features" of its own.

The Apple Town Hall Auditorium

The iPhone's lack of enterprise friendliness -- specifically is limited support for Microsoft's Exchange email platform -- is commonly cited as one of the primary barriers to adoption by businesses. Some industry watchers have even gone as far as to suggest that as a result, the iPhone has no place in the business world.

However, as AppleInsider exclusively reported in December, Apple has been hard at work to discredit that notion, and has formed a team whose primary objective is to test future Exchange and Outlook functionality with the touch-screen handset.



In addition to its presentation in Cupertino on Thursday, Apple will also relay its message to developers around the globe through a series of "Key Customer Briefings" and other presentations, AppleInsider has been told.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[forefun]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple Inc. will hold a special event for analysts and members of the media next week, March 6th, to formally announce plans for its much anticipated iPhone and iPod touch software developers kit (SDK).

"Please join us to learn about the iPhone software roadmap, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features," Apple wrote in the digital invite.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

Article explaining in more detail:

http://bigtech.blogs.for tune.cnn.co...es-on-march-6/

[TednDi]

...mmmmm Enterprise!

mmmmmm!

[Rot'nApple]

Originally Posted by TednDi

mmmmmm!

GOOD!

Wait a minute, 'Mmmm Good' is Campbell Soup's tagline, I believe.

Anyway, should be an interesting summer. Can't wait to see "Authorized" Native iPhone apps!!!

[Rogzilla]

Horray!

[sapporobaby]

Originally Posted by Rot'nApple

GOOD!

Wait a minute, 'Mmmm Good' is Campbell Soup's tagline, I believe.

Anyway, should be an interesting summer. Can't wait to see "Authorized" Native iPhone apps!!!

I would guess that the "authorized" native apps won't be that different than the current apps already avail for jailbroken phones. They will probably just be free. However, anything to move the iPhone towards being a real enterprise phone is a step in the right direction.

[melgross]

Something I've brought up before is what effect this SDk might have on the current, non-authorized developers.

As this current software is supposedly based on a security hole in Safari, one that Apple could have fixed along with the others it fixed—but didn't, the question comes up as to what Apple's thinking about this has been, and will it change.

Why hasn't Apple fixed this loophole. If it did, it could have resulted in shutting down, completely, the development of all the software that has so far been done. Without the hole, no software could be installed.

Has Apple used this hole to "allow" third party development? If so, have they used it to "encourage" development while they assessed the market? Could they have used it to have apps ready for when their own SDK came out, thus speeding up the appearance of programs that might require just a bit of tweaking to get them to work with the SDK?

If so, will they make a deal with these developers so that they would have to discontinue their current development if they want to be allowed to develop under the SDK?

And lastly, with the release of the SDK, or somewhat afterwards, once enough developers are onboard, and sufficient programs are available, will they then, finally, shut down that security hole?

[sapporobaby]

Originally Posted by melgross

Something I've brought up before is what effect this SDk might have on the current, non-authorized developers.

As this current software is supposedly based on a security hole in Safari, one that Apple could have fixed along with the others it fixed—but didn't, the question comes up as to what Apple's thinking about this has been, and will it change.

Why hasn't Apple fixed this loophole. If it did, it could have resulted in shutting down, completely, the development of all the software that has so far been done. Without the hole, no software could be installed.

Has Apple used this hole to "allow" third party development? If so, have they used it to "encourage" development while they accessed the market? Could they have used it to have apps ready for when their own SDK came out, thus speeding up the appearance of programs that might require just a bit of tweaking to get them to work with the SDK?

If so, will they make a deal with these developers so that they would have to discontinue their current development if they want to be allowed to develop under the SDK?

And lastly, with the release of the SDK, or somewhat afterwards, once enough developers are onboard, and sufficient programs are available, will they then, finally, shut down that security hole?

Good point. Could it be that Apple has been allowing "beta" testing of applications to see how they will run on the iPhone? I bet the developers have a stack of 3rd party apps on their phones.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by sapporobaby

Good point. Could it be that Apple has been allowing "beta" testing of applications to see how they will run on the iPhone? I bet the developers have a stack of 3rd party apps on their phones.

Yup. This has really made me wonder. I've been saying from the very beginning that Apple would have an SDK. It just seemed too obvious. There was no other reason to put that much of an OS on a phone. Everything Apple has on the phone now, could have been implemented with a fraction of the OS.

Fairly wide open development would be the only reason for over 700 MBs of OS.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by forefun

Article explaining in more detail:

http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com...es-on-march-6/

I fixed your link.

I'm hoping the details are all good for everyone, such as an infrastructure to tie into for paid software (at reasonable applet costs), but also a way to allow free & no cost software too.

[DeaPeaJay]

Did anyone else notice the roadmap is a "Google Map" in the upper left corner? Nice touch

[TenoBell]

Has Apple used this hole to "allow" third party development? If so, have they used it to "encourage" development while they accessed the market? Could they have used it to have apps ready for when their own SDK came out, thus speeding up the appearance of programs that might require just a bit of tweaking to get them to work with the SDK?

Very good point. The iPhone now essentially has a healthy and growing developer community. It just needs the SDK to bring it all into organized alignment.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by melgross

Yup. This has really made me wonder. I've been saying from the very beginning that Apple would have an SDK. It just seemed too obvious. There was no other reason to put that much of an OS on a phone. Everything Apple has on the phone now, could have been implemented with a fraction of the OS.

Interesting points.

Fairly wide open development would be the only reason for over 700 MBs of OS.

I believe the OS is only 160MB. The 700MB people seems to reference is the 10^3 to 2^10 differences in calculating capacity for the 8GB iPhone.

[nevenmrgan]

Is anyone else puzzled (and possibly frightened) by the fact that they will be showing a "roadmap"? Does this mean we don't actually get the SDK on March 6, we get to see the roadmap for it?

I'm sure they'll deliver *something* on the 6th, but the way this invitation is worded, I expect a long and complicated iPhone app development process...

[melgross]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

Is anyone else puzzled (and possibly frightened) by the fact that they will be showing a "roadmap"? Does this mean we don't actually get the SDK on March 6, we get to see the roadmap for it?

I'm sure they'll deliver *something* on the 6th, but the way this invitation is worded, I expect a long and complicated iPhone app development process...

It's a roadmap on software development. It doesn't necessarily refer to the SDK itself.

In any event, a couple of weeks, more or less, doesn't matter. Leopard was late by months, but it's here now, and the lateness has been discounted.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

Is anyone else puzzled (and possibly frightened) by the fact that they will be showing a "roadmap"? Does this mean we don't actually get the SDK on March 6, we get to see the roadmap for it?

I'm sure they'll deliver *something* on the 6th, but the way this invitation is worded, I expect a long and complicated iPhone app development process...

You may be correct. Apple certainly has a history of creating buzz to rekindle a dying fire..

[sapporobaby]

Originally Posted by melgross

It's a roadmap on software development. It doesn't necessarily refer to the SDK itself.

In any event, a couple of weeks, more or less, doesn't matter. Leopard was late by months, but it's here now, and the lateness has been discounted.

So true and most developers interested in developing for the iPhone already have a jump on developing apps. It is just an SDK, not the Grail.

[DeaPeaJay]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

Is anyone else puzzled (and possibly frightened) by the fact that they will be showing a "roadmap"? Does this mean we don't actually get the SDK on March 6, we get to see the roadmap for it?

I'm sure they'll deliver *something* on the 6th, but the way this invitation is worded, I expect a long and complicated iPhone app development process...

I think because Steve had promised something by February, and now that's not going to be possible, they want to give us *something*. So they'll let out whatever super secret stuff it is that they're working on.

[nevenmrgan]

Originally Posted by melgross

It's a roadmap on software development. It doesn't necessarily refer to the SDK itself.

That's true. Still, more worrying than the delay is the idea that there *is* a "roadmap" at all. Apple doesn't have an "OS X roadmap" or an "iPod roadmap." To me, this implies a tiered development process of some sort - perhaps allowing Apple's partners full access to the platform and giving smaller developers a more restricted sandbox. Either that or features will be rolled out gradually - it wouldn't be a roadmap if it didn't include more than one step in the process.

[Olternaut]

Yes, I too think that the use of the word "roadmap" by apple might mean that the actual SDK launch itself might be some date in the future.
All that matters ultimately though is when a large number of powerful useful officially sanctioned apps will become available on itunes...at a reasonable cost. That exchange support announcement and how it actually works will be extremely interesting.
On a side note....I KNEW it was going to be a mini media event for the SDK launch and not a simple announcement.
Yup, as far as 2008 is concerned Apple is just getting warmed up.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Olternaut

Yes, I too think that the use of the word "roadmap" by apple might mean that the actual SDK launch itself might be some date in the future.

I can't help but think that Apple's going to abuse the term if they aren't already. They tend to not tell anyone what's next, whereas product roadmaps are generally used to tell what products are scheduled, and when they should be released.

[DBenz24]

Hope Sling will be able to create something so I can use my slingbox with the iPhone over WiFi.

[YodaMac]

Well, when I hear the word "roadmap" I think "long journey ahead".

Wonder if the SDK is even close to being ready, and this is an event to placate the developers with promises of what they'll be able to do... sometime .... in the future... down the road....

Just sounds like everyone won't get all that they hope for when the SDK first "launches" and will have to wait until we're "down the road" a bit to deliver full featured apps the way they want to.

[Olternaut]

Originally Posted by YodaMac

Well, when I hear the word "roadmap" I think "long journey ahead".

Wonder if the SDK is even close to being ready, and this is an event to placate the developers with promises of what they'll be able to do... sometime .... in the future... down the road....

Just sounds like everyone won't get all that they hope for when the SDK first "launches" and will have to wait until we're "down the road" a bit to deliver full featured apps the way they want to.

Hopefully enough information will be released for analysts to figure out if the SDK is going to support multiple mobile devices. That way we can figure out what devices are coming out later this year.

[Pine]

Maybe the SDK is the first stage in the roadmap. Remember last year at WWDC, developers all received copies of Leopard. I imagine the same will happen on the 6th. Developers will get the SDK, which require 1.1.4 to work on but users won't see much more than examples. Remember, the event isn't for us (users). Another stage in the roadmap might be app implementation for the rest of us. Maybe iPhone 1.2. Developers will not only be making sure their programs work but also making sure the current iPhone OS is stable enough for 3rd party apps along with suggestions apple needs to make to the iPhone OS. Just my guesses.

[wirc]

Originally Posted by DeaPeaJay

Did anyone else notice the roadmap is a "Google Map" in the upper left corner? Nice touch

I have to say, I think that graphic is painfully literal. A little creativity couldn't hurt.

[nevenmrgan]

Originally Posted by wirc

I have to say, I think that graphic is painfully literal. A little creativity couldn't hurt.

Keeping your largest business partner happy trumps creativity

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Olternaut

Yup, as far as 2008 is concerned Apple is just getting warmed up.

So far we've had...

Software:
— Leopard point release
— (2) iPhone software updates
— XSan update
— AppleTV update
— New iPod games,
— iTunes & QT updates
— iTS movie rentals
— iLife, iWork and pro apps updates

Hardware:
— Mac Pro update
— Xserve update
— MacBook Air release
— MacBook update
— MacBook Pro update
— Time Capsule pre-order
— new Nano colour
— iPhone and iPod touch capacity increases
— iPod Shuffle price point lowered & capacity doubled

So far it's a pretty good start for two months right after the holidays.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

That's true. Still, more worrying than the delay is the idea that there *is* a "roadmap" at all. Apple doesn't have an "OS X roadmap" or an "iPod roadmap." To me, this implies a tiered development process of some sort - perhaps allowing Apple's partners full access to the platform and giving smaller developers a more restricted sandbox. Either that or features will be rolled out gradually - it wouldn't be a roadmap if it didn't include more than one step in the process.

I'm not willing to get worried abou something that I don't yet know enough about.

Just remember, the iPhone will hopefully be around for a long time, as will all the other devices that are already springing up. even if this takes a while to blossom, it will just be for a short time in the overall life of the product family. Apple also bends to the will of its customers and developers a bit here and there.

I'm not worried.

[quinney]

Originally Posted by Olternaut

Hopefully enough information will be released for analysts to figure out if the SDK is going to support multiple mobile devices. That way we can figure out what devices are coming out later this year.

Less than complete specifications of future devices could even be part of the
reason for the delay of the SDK. I imagine Apple would prefer the SDK to last
for at least a few months without major updating.

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally Posted by TednDi

...mmmmm Enterprise!

mmmmmm!

I want to be shown they actually mean Enterprise. At NeXT we were focused at the Enterprise and it never came to fruition when we merged, even in our Enterprise Division.

If Enterprise means, we've got phones that work in Enterprise IT I'll have to take this as a Trojan Horse approach.

[Olternaut]

One thing is for sure.......the RIM Blackberry team is a little nervous at the moment.

[Olternaut]

Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer

I want to be shown they actually mean Enterprise. At NeXT we were focused at the Enterprise and it never came to fruition when we merged, even in our Enterprise Division.

If Enterprise means, we've got phones that work in Enterprise IT I'll have to take this as a Trojan Horse approach.

OMG!

Sir, are you a bonafide secret Apple inside source? :/

[MacTel]

We have to read between the lines in the invitation. An iPhone 2.0 is coming with 3G, VPN, 5MP camera with flash on the back and a 2MP camera of the front for the new iChat app, and the iPhone 2.0 doubles as a wireless modem for your computing needs.

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally Posted by MacTel

We have to read between the lines in the invitation. An iPhone 2.0 is coming with 3G, VPN, 5MP camera with flash on the back and a 2MP camera of the front for the new iChat app, and the iPhone 2.0 doubles as a wireless modem for your computing needs.

And I've got breasts on my back too.

[mowenbrown]

Originally Posted by MacTel

We have to read between the lines in the invitation. An iPhone 2.0 is coming with 3G, VPN, 5MP camera with flash on the back and a 2MP camera of the front for the new iChat app, and the iPhone 2.0 doubles as a wireless modem for your computing needs.

If its going to be that focused on the enterprise there will be no cameras.... oh, and a they'll give you a sears die hard battery on wheels to take with you.

[Abster2core]

http://images.apple.com/quicktime/qt...chs_live87.mov

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by MacTel

We have to read between the lines in the invitation. An iPhone 2.0 is coming with 3G, VPN, 5MP camera with flash on the back and a 2MP camera of the front for the new iChat app, and the iPhone 2.0 doubles as a wireless modem for your computing needs.

I know you're kidding, but this event would be a good place to announce a 3G iPhone. Of course, if announced next Thursday, I'd expect it to be released within 6-8 weeks later. In other words, ready for sale as soon as the FCC okays it as that time between will almost be a complete halt in iPhone sales.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

That's true. Still, more worrying than the delay is the idea that there *is* a "roadmap" at all. Apple doesn't have an "OS X roadmap" or an "iPod roadmap." ...

This is because Apple generally doesn't "do" roadmaps at all.

The one and only reason for a roadmap is to let your partners know where you are going. You don't need a map to drive your own road, but you need to publish a roadmap if you expect any of your friends to follow you down the road the the party at the end.

This roadmap tells us that Apple is serious about attracting development and is going to provide the "road" (Software update) that goes through "town" (the SDK) so that the "cars" (enterprise software) can travel down it.

[dshan]

The most interesting thing about all this to me is the differences between what they appear to be going to talk to the press about - "Please join us to learn about the iPhone software roadmap, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features," - and what they are going to discuss in the "Key Customer Briefing" as reproduced in this article: Mac Pro, MacBook Air, Xserve, iPod touch and SDK, Xsan. Nary a mention of the iPhone or any "exciting new enterprise features" for it at the key customer briefing, only the *iPod touch* and it's SDK plus recently announced Mac stuff. Since when has the touch been of any particular interest to Apple's "Key Customers" (i.e. non-consumer enterprise-level companies)? Everyone is palpitating about the iPhone's place in the corporate world while Apple suddenly seems to be more interested in the corporate possibilities of the iPod and it's SDK - that's unexpected and may be significant.