Apple announces iPhone 2.0 software and SDK beta

[AppleInsider]

Apple on Thursday held a media event at its Cupertino headquarters where it previewed its iPhone 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers.

The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.

"We’re excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch,” said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "iPhone’s enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device."

Developers gain access to same APIs as Apple

The iPhone SDK will provide developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create applications for both the iPhone and iPod touch. Starting today, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac. Apple also introduced its new iPhone Developer Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, which will allow those developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.

With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with the same set of rich APIs that Apple has been using to develop its own iPhone software, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. Those APIs will allow developers to create applications that leverage the iPhone’s Multi-Touch user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver innovative mobile applications.

Apple licenses Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft

Apple also announced that it has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that the handset will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists.

Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. In addition, the iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.

Furthermore, Apple said the iPhone 2.0 software will provide a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services.

The Apple "App Store"

The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch, and will enable developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user.

Developers will be able to set the price for their applications -- or make their applications free -- and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. However, all third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and no Apps will be authorized for distribution outside the App Store.

The iPhone development envoirnment

In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.

During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple’s new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year. All developers will also be issued a digital certificate that will be embedded into their applications, assuring that Apple can track all applications and prevent malicious software from infecting users' phones.

In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.

Pricing & Availability

Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June.

Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications.

The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded at here. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program.

Additional details and a full compilation of notes from today's presentation are available here.

More news from today's Apple event

Apple's iPhone takes on the Enterprise
Apple posts iPhone Software Roadmap event stream
Coming to iPhone: Instant Messenger, EA's Spore, SEGA games
Notes from Apple's iPhone Software Roadmap event

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Bageljoey]

Anybody want to reassess their feelings on 10 million iPhones in 2008?

[SpamSandwich]

Yes, and.... ...it's about bloody time.

[Outsider]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Anybody want to reassess their feelings on 10 million iPhones in 2008?

I do! Make it 15 million.

[a_greer]

Just bought one, the scumbags at ATT are hawking the enterprise plans (starting at $45 without voice) even though the actual platform is in BETA!!!

there were several people buying iPhones today, at least 4 were sold while I was there (4-5 minutes)

[adrian.oconnor]

This is really exciting, and I absolutely cannot wait until developer.apple.com starts working again and I can get my hands on the SDK!

A lot of people on the rumor forums will probably complain that new stuff for regular users wasn't released today, but try and understand - this was always going to be an announcement for developers. I am really, really glad that we can download a beta of the SDK and get started right away - I was worried that they'd just announce more details and make us wait some more.

There are going to be a lot of exciting iPhone applications appearing very soon!

[minderbinder]

That SDK is looking like a pretty hot download...they can't even keep the download page up much less the download itself.

The big question will be how much of that is people who will release real apps, and how many downloading just to take it for a spin but with no intention of ever releasing an app?

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by adrian.oconnor

There are going to be a lot of exciting iPhone applications appearing very soon!

To say the least!

[BlackSummerNight]

I'm gonna just take it for a spin first, but later hope to think up some good/useful apps.

Originally Posted by minderbinder

That SDK is looking like a pretty hot download...they can't even keep the download page up much less the download itself.

The big question will be how much of that is people who will release real apps, and how many downloading just to take it for a spin but with no intention of ever releasing an app?

[ThunkDifferent.com]

And How! (as in howz about time!)

[ALPICH]

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update they couldn't be bothered getting ready before the release of the product, and they don't try to charge the developer of software a 30% fee just to have it in the store and they don't charge a $99 fee just to get it up there. Come on. I agree that Apple innovates but seriously this is not innovation. It is gross Capitalism. People might say well you have a choice not to buy Apple and you are right. I don't have to buy into this and so I am not. C U l8r Apple. Maybe when you work out your accounting. Oh and if there are laws in the US that state you have to charge for the update can you please explain how those laws relate to the rest of the world? Australia has no such stupid law. If I was not already burnt by Apple's regluar and intense update plan with their computers and now the iPod touch I would probably be a little happier and just stick with the Jailbroken iPod Touch. But the thing is I don't have to. The N810 is made to write software for and it can link with my phone so that I never have to move the phone but can just use the N810. The more I hear about it the more I want one. Correction. I really wanted an Apple iPod touch thinking that Apple had finally made a product that could do so much. I just didn't realize that they were going to limit it so much.

At the end of the presentation Steve Jobbs should have said "So anyone that already has an iPod touch, thanks. And anyone that doesn't you would be an idiot to buy one now"

[wirc]

How much is access to the APIs going to inform us of whether or not this thing runs OS X, as promised?

[shutterrelease]

Ok, maybe I missed it but I didn't see anything about developers getting access to the dock connector with the new SDK. Did I miss something?

[modz]

@ ALPICH

Don't let the door hit you on the way out to nokia-world

[NasserAE]

Apple did a really excellent job today. But still, you will hear people whining about the 3G and camera

It seems that Apple want everyone to develop software for the iPhone. Expect more than just App Stre from Apple (iCha .. etc). I hope Apple or someone else do a word processor for the iPhone.

[SurfRat]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update they couldn't be bothered getting ready before the release of the product, and they don't try to charge the developer of software a 30% fee just to have it in the store and they don't charge a $99 fee just to get it up there. Come on. I agree that Apple innovates but seriously this is not innovation. It is gross Capitalism. People might say well you have a choice not to buy Apple and you are right. I don't have to buy into this and so I am not. C U l8r Apple. Maybe when you work out your accounting. Oh and if there are laws in the US that state you have to charge for the update can you please explain how those laws relate to the rest of the world? Australia has no such stupid law. If I was not already burnt by Apple's regluar and intense update plan with their computers and now the iPod touch I would probably be a little happier and just stick with the Jailbroken iPod Touch. But the thing is I don't have to. The N810 is made to write software for and it can link with my phone so that I never have to move the phone but can just use the N810. The more I hear about it the more I want one. Correction. I really wanted an Apple iPod touch thinking that Apple had finally made a product that could do so much. I just didn't realize that they were going to limit it so much.

At the end of the presentation Steve Jobbs should have said "So anyone that already has an iPod touch, thanks. And anyone that doesn't you would be an idiot to buy one now"

Dude, either you're grossly misinformed, or just completely naive, but iPhone owners are definitely paying for these updates too. It comes right out of our monthly AT&T phone bill. I really can't see what you're griping about here.

If Apple were charging you a monthly fee to use your iPod touch, then you'd have a shit load to complain about, but really now, Apple is not trying to rip you off. There's a lot of work that goes into these software updates, and the benefits will most definitely be worth the cost. If you disagree, that's fine, you will not be forced to install the update.

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by wirc

How much is access to the APIs going to inform us of whether or not this thing runs OS X, as promised?

There's no doubt that the iPhone runs OS X.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update they couldn't be bothered getting ready before the release of the product, and they don't try to charge the developer of software a 30% fee .........

1) It is up to the developers to charge the fee - they can give it away for free if they wish, and Apple gets to keep only 30% of free.

2) If you're suggesting that Apple should provide its imprimatur/website/web-hosting/potential for liability etc etc for free, you're smoking something.

3) Sayonara! Enjoy your N810. (Report back to us in a year, will you, on how you like it).

[disillusion]

I do hope that the possibilities to BUY apps in the App Store won’t be cost me 20 Dollar or 18 Euro again, they better make it cheaper than the last update. If it’s just for accounting purposes anything like 5 to 10 dollars should be sufficient, or is there a certain value specified? Any one proficient in accounting and/or Sarbannes-Oxley?

The n-update for the Airport Extreme was priced competitively (2 Euro) plus Apple let you apply it on every mac in your possession. Something that’s not legally accomplished with the Application Pack.

[tbehunin]

All these announcements are great! But for crying out loud, can they PULEEEEASE add cut/paste?! Sheesh...

[Mr. H]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

If I was not already burnt by Apple's regluar and intense update plan with their computers

Just who exactly held a gun to your head and forced you to buy any of Apple's updates to their computers?

Originally Posted by ALPICH

and now the iPod touch

Which does exactly the same stuff that it did when you bought it. If that wasn't enough for you, why did you buy it?

It's obvious that the iPod Touch is much more a "palmtop computer" than "iPod", so it really shouldn't be surprising that significant updates in functionality (i.e., an OS upgrade) is going to be charged for, just as a significant OS X upgrade is charged for. If an update comes out and the functionality it offers is worth to you whatever they are charging for it, buy it; otherwise don't. Simple.

[mbene12]

All this info is great imo, too bad it didnt stop the stock from getting crushed....again.

[kresh]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

The N810 is made to write software for

So buy the Nokia and enjoy it. I would not trade my iPod Touch 32GB for any five Nokia devices. Apple has just raised the usefulness of the iPhone/iPod Touch platform to an almost unimaginable level!

[Denton]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update...

Every software update? Seems to me that this is only the second charge for a software update. Both charges are for the introduction of significant new features. If you are unhappy with the feature set of your Touch, why did you buy it? And if you aren't unhappy with the Touch's current capabilities, why the bitching? You sound like a spoiled brat who needs to grow up. As modz said, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Dave K.]

Size of iPhone/iPod Touch Applications?

Did anyone get an idea of how large iPhone/iPod Touch applications will be?

Multiple Installs

If I have two iPhones, do I need to purchase multiple licenses?

[whm]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update they couldn't be bothered getting ready before the release of the product, and they don't try to charge the developer of software a 30% fee just to have it in the store and they don't charge a $99 fee just to get it up there. Come on. I agree that Apple innovates but seriously this is not innovation. It is gross Capitalism. People might say well you have a choice not to buy Apple and you are right. I don't have to buy into this and so I am not. C U l8r Apple. Maybe when you work out your accounting. Oh and if there are laws in the US that state you have to charge for the update can you please explain how those laws relate to the rest of the world? Australia has no such stupid law. If I was not already burnt by Apple's regluar and intense update plan with their computers and now the iPod touch I would probably be a little happier and just stick with the Jailbroken iPod Touch. But the thing is I don't have to. The N810 is made to write software for and it can link with my phone so that I never have to move the phone but can just use the N810. The more I hear about it the more I want one. Correction. I really wanted an Apple iPod touch thinking that Apple had finally made a product that could do so much. I just didn't realize that they were going to limit it so much.

At the end of the presentation Steve Jobbs should have said "So anyone that already has an iPod touch, thanks. And anyone that doesn't you would be an idiot to buy one now"

TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE MOAN AND GRIPE ABOUT AAPLE BEING A RIPOFF. AT LEAST I DO NOT HAVE TO BUY A NEW PHONE EVERYTIME SOMETHING NEW COMES OUT. PERFECTLY HAPPY TO HAVE MY PHONE THE WAY IT IS AND IF SOMETHING I LIKE COMES OUT TO MAKE IT BETTER, I WILL PURCHASE A DOWNLOAD, BETTER THAN BUYING A NEW PHONE. WHY DON'T YOU QUIT LOOKING AT THIS APPLE SITE?

[ALPICH]

Originally Posted by SurfRat

Dude, either you're grossly misinformed, or just completely naive, but iPhone owners are definitely paying for these updates too. It comes right out of our monthly AT&T phone bill. I really can't see what you're griping about here.

If Apple were charging you a monthly fee to use your iPod touch, then you'd have a shit load to complain about, but really now, Apple is not trying to rip you off. There's a lot of work that goes into these software updates, and the benefits will most definitely be worth the cost. If you disagree, that's fine, you will not be forced to install the update.

So you have bought into the idea that it is ok to slug everyone at every point. Good on you. Costs you to make your software available to iPhone / Touch users. Cost you to sell it to the users. Cost the users more to access this service (in terms of upgrade fee). And you think that is all OK. If you agree with this that is Fine. Apple loves you. And of course Apple is trying to rip me and you off. They play the best game in the business of walking the line between frustrating people and giving them enough to be happy with being ripped off.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Dave K.

Size of iPhone/iPod Touch Applications?

Did anyone get an idea of how large iPhone/iPod Touch applications will be?

Multiple Installs

If I have two iPhones, do I need to purchase multiple licenses?

1) It will depend on the developer and the app. For example, if I want to install a foreign language dictionary, that will surely take up more space than other apps.

2) Good question. I think the answer lies in how iPod games work. If you can install multiple games on multiple iPod so long as they are tied to the same iTunes account then I think you'll be able to use iPhone/Touch Apps on multiple devices so long as they are synced with the same iTunes account.

[whm]

Originally Posted by Dave K.

Size of iPhone/iPod Touch Applications?

Did anyone get an idea of how large iPhone/iPod Touch applications will be?

Multiple Installs

If I have two iPhones, do I need to purchase multiple licenses?

You download the SDK from Apple site, you buy the licenses to write applications to try and get Apple approval. Me and any other iPhone/iPod touch users simply download the apps for free or maybe have to pay for some!
The licenses are for the ones who want to write the software, hoping to make money from Apple buy selling thru the App Store.

[SurfRat]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

So you have bought into the idea that it is ok to slug everyone at every point. Good on you. Costs you to make your software available to iPhone / Touch users. Cost you to sell it to the users. Cost the users more to access this service (in terms of upgrade fee). And you think that is all OK. If you agree with this that is Fine. Apple loves you. And of course Apple is trying to rip me and you off. They play the best game in the business of walking the line between frustrating people and giving them enough to be happy with being ripped off.

Well let's see how many people agree with you.

If the iPhone and iPod touch are starved of developers and applications, you'll have a point. Give it time though, as I have a feeling many will view this architecture as a very viable and fair one.

Only time will tell.

[ravelgrane]

Originally Posted by Denton

Every software update? Seems to me that this is only the second charge for a software update. Both charges are for the introduction of significant new features.

And this is required by law. It's part of the GAAP legislation that any new feature requires Apple to charge money for it. They ran into this when they switched on 802.11n hardware that was already inside machines but lying dormant:

http://www.news.com/Apples-802.11n-a...3-6151790.html

The reason iPhone users don't pay an explicit fee is because it's hidden inside the monthly charges. Anyway, I think the software update fees for iPT were pretty reasonable for the usefulness we got.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

So you have bought into the idea that it is ok to slug everyone at every point. Good on you. Costs you to make your software available to iPhone / Touch users. Cost you to sell it to the users. Cost the users more to access this service (in terms of upgrade fee). And you think that is all OK. If you agree with this that is Fine. Apple loves you. And of course Apple is trying to rip me and you off. They play the best game in the business of walking the line between frustrating people and giving them enough to be happy with being ripped off.

You've made it clear that you think you are entitled to things that wren't available or promised to you at the time of your purpose. You've also made it clear that you think Apple's frequent software updates is somehow evil. It's clear that you want stagnating software with no quality control. That is your choice, but your complaining, besides being poorly thought out and written, is falling on deaf ears. You might want to head to a Windows forum.

[BlackSummerNight]

How do you figure you are paying for this upgrade through your monthly fee? Did you rate increase? That's just nonsense.

Originally Posted by SurfRat

Dude, either you're grossly misinformed, or just completely naive, but iPhone owners are definitely paying for these updates too. It comes right out of our monthly AT&T phone bill. I really can't see what you're griping about here.

If Apple were charging you a monthly fee to use your iPod touch, then you'd have a shit load to complain about, but really now, Apple is not trying to rip you off. There's a lot of work that goes into these software updates, and the benefits will most definitely be worth the cost. If you disagree, that's fine, you will not be forced to install the update.

[Booga]

Costs you to make your software available to iPhone / Touch users. Cost you to sell it to the users. Cost the users more to access this service (in terms of upgrade fee).

No. It costs $99 for a developer to join the program. Publishing software is free. Downloading software is free (for free software). Accessing the service is free if you're running at least version 2.0 of the OS.

Upgrading the operating system to 2.0 is going to cost a small fee for existing users (but is included in the price of a new device). Since when did major OS upgrades come free to software platforms? The iTouch/iPhone is essentially a mobile computer. And instead of $129, you're getting a major OS update for probably $19 or so, plus access to a bunch of free applications.

So, according to everything I've seen on Apple's site, to develop software it costs a one-time fee of $99 then everything else is entirely free. I don't understand how you could possibly ask for better than that from Apple.

[teckstud]

[QUOTE=Mr. H;1225905]?
It's obvious that the iPod Touch is much more a "palmtop computer" than "iPod", so it really shouldn't be surprising that significant updates in functionality (i.e., an OS upgrade) is going to be charged for, just as a significant OS X upgrade is charged for. QUOTE]

Weather and note are significant upgrades? Surely you jest! They are widgets! I guess you'd pay for anything Apple offers to charge you for.

[whm]

Originally Posted by solipsism

You've made it clear that you think you are entitled to things that wren't available or promised to you at the time of your purpose. You've also made it clear that you think Apple's frequent software updates is somehow evil. It's clear that you want stagnating software with no quality control. That is your choice, but your complaining, besides being poorly thought out and written, is falling on deaf ears. You might want to head to a Windows forum.

So long....Bye-Bye...Auf Wiedersehen...Chow

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by mbene12

All this info is great imo, too bad it didnt stop the stock from getting crushed....again.

Time to buy, buy, buy!

[auxio]

Now if only they could keep the developer site working for long enough to allow people in.

Did they seriously not expect this, or are they going to use it for showmanship during a future keynote to say that: "we had so much reaction to our SDK that it brought our servers down (because we intentionally didn't put any extra hardware in place to handle it)"?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

How do you figure you are paying for this upgrade through your monthly fee? Did you rate increase? That's just nonsense.

Apple is getting paid by each of its carriers per month per iPhone. It's not unreasonable to look at this stipend in that light.

[Akac]

Originally Posted by ALPICH

I just got slugged for the last update to the iPod touch. I was willing to wear that but this time I have had enough. I am buying a Nokia N810. At least they don't charge you for every software update they couldn't be bothered getting ready before the release of the product, and they don't try to charge the developer of software a 30% fee just to have it in the store and they don't charge a $99 fee just to get it up there.

Are you that ignorant? 30% is very little. I am a mobile developer and every store I use charges me 20-50%. If I use my own, I still pay 3-4% for CC fees from VIsa/MasterCard.

This is very very good. And $99 is nothing. I pay MS $1500 a year for the same privilege and RIM $2500.