Cook: Apple may open select iOS APIs to third-party developers
Apple CEO Tim Cook said that third-party developers would slowly gain access to iOS application programming interfaces (APIs) in the future, allowing for apps to integrate with higher functions of the iPhone and iPad.
Of the myriad topics crammed into Cook's one hour interview at the D11 conference on Tuesday was whether the company's mobile OS would become more "open" to developers, that is would Apple give up some of its notoriously strict control of iOS,
"Of course," Cook told AllThingsD's Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher. "On the general topic of opening up APIs, I think you'll see us open up more in the future, but not to the degree that we put the customer at risk of having a bad experience. So there's always a fine line to walk there, or maybe not so fine.
Cook said he believes customers pay for Apple to make certain choices on their behalf, such as a system's security and stability.
Mossberg referenced Google's Android lock screen assets as an example of being open to developers. Specifically, he pointed to Facebook's Home Android launcher, saying he heard the social network offered a similar solution for iOS.
"I've see some of these settings screens, and I don't think that's what customers want," he said. "Do some want it? Yes."
In the future, Cook said he expects iOS to become more open, but hinted that the control would ultimately lie in the hands of Apple.
"So you'll see the bobbleheads?" Swisher asked jokingly, referring to Facebook's Chat Head feature.
"There's always more the companies can do together," Cook replied. "I don't think that that's one."
Of the myriad topics crammed into Cook's one hour interview at the D11 conference on Tuesday was whether the company's mobile OS would become more "open" to developers, that is would Apple give up some of its notoriously strict control of iOS,
"Of course," Cook told AllThingsD's Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher. "On the general topic of opening up APIs, I think you'll see us open up more in the future, but not to the degree that we put the customer at risk of having a bad experience. So there's always a fine line to walk there, or maybe not so fine.
Cook said he believes customers pay for Apple to make certain choices on their behalf, such as a system's security and stability.
Mossberg referenced Google's Android lock screen assets as an example of being open to developers. Specifically, he pointed to Facebook's Home Android launcher, saying he heard the social network offered a similar solution for iOS.
"I've see some of these settings screens, and I don't think that's what customers want," he said. "Do some want it? Yes."
In the future, Cook said he expects iOS to become more open, but hinted that the control would ultimately lie in the hands of Apple.
"So you'll see the bobbleheads?" Swisher asked jokingly, referring to Facebook's Chat Head feature.
"There's always more the companies can do together," Cook replied. "I don't think that that's one."
Comments
Originally Posted by Rogifan
I wonder if Forstall's departure has anything to do with this or if it was going to happen anyway (now that Steve is gone).
I feel Steve more than Forstall.
But aren't private APIs becoming public APIs par for the course with their SDK?
Isn't it what they've been doing ever since they released the iPhone OS SDK? Anyone remembers how restrictive it was at first? There are hundreds of things that iOS devs can now do that they couldn't back in 2008.
What I'd like to see is Apple get it's finger out of it's ass in regards the moral censorship. Apple wants to be the Disney corp of the 21st century, keeping us all safe from naked bums and any religion that isn't Christian.
Censorship is wrong. It does no "good" at all. It never has.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
But aren't private APIs becoming public APIs par for the course with their SDK?
I expect an actual set of shared Public Services APIs that extend the functionality of Cocoa/iOS Frameworks to work together which will be part of the Ecosystem branding I expect moving forward that ties in iCloud, AppStore, iBookStore, iTunes, OS X, iOS and all the hardware [Workstation, Desktop, Laptop, AppleTV, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad Family, unknown product(s)].
These will be a series of same tier services across application platforms, hardware platforms and then a vertical tier to address up to the Enterprise, Content Publishers [Entertainment Industries] and Government sectors.
Dad knows what his kids want.
Can't you just open mobile safari and view all the naked bums you want?
I think Apple censors the apps that show naked bums because they could be legally liable for content shown in thoses apps, content that they have no control of. Like kiddie bums.
It's all about potential lawsuits. Apple isn't censoring the web, they are censoring apps that they distribute, and for which they can be sued.
Maybe you should get your head out of your ass and think logically.
A great idea my cousin had was make keyboards etc downloads as needed. And things like fonts, iMovie themes, pages templates. And give more options.
She did a whole little series on ideas for iOS 7 if anyone cares to take a look.
http://wearefangirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Apple
Every store has a right to sell what they want and not what they don't. If you don't like Apples view on the issue protest with your wallet and buy something else
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
I'm happy about the control Apple has over what developers can do. Developers are always treated like some kind of gods in the tech press and they generally don't deserve it at all.
What I'd like to see is Apple get it's finger out of it's ass in regards the moral censorship. Apple wants to be the Disney corp of the 21st century, keeping us all safe from naked bums and any religion that isn't Christian.
Censorship is wrong. It does no "good" at all. It never has.
Your statement is ridiculous and childish. Vendors can choose whatever the **** they want to stock in their stores, Apple included. Most of what is "censored" from Apple's store is also not found on Google or Microsoft's stores. When Apple sells to such a broad market, there has to be certain guidelines. I've seen nothing to suggest that these guidelines are extreme, or irrational. If the specific content you'd like isn't on the appstore, you only have, oh I don't know, the entire internet to get it form. Appstores are curated by nature, including the Play Store. A black and white statement like "censorship is wrong" is so utterly childish. Every single thing in life is censored to various degrees, depending on context.
Fine. Go to pornhub dot com on your iPhone or iPad, and realize you can use that finger for something else. It's only apps, not the Internet. Jeez.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
On the general topic of opening up APIs, I think you'll see us open up more in the future, but not to the degree that we put the customer at risk of having a bad experience. So there's always a fine line to walk there, or maybe not so fine.
I hope this is an indication they'll be allowing the user to designate preferred 3rd party apps for certain tasks (eg: email client, browser, calendar, maps, camera, weather, banking).
If Apple are really savvy they will leverage this to expand Siri's capabilities to access information within 3rd party applications. I think developers would be very willing to program their data in a way Siri can interface with in exchange for permission to handle mailto: links or mapping coordinate referrals. Siri is already good at a limited set of skills but the potential for her to become an AI bridge to broker informational transactions between apps is exponentially greater. There is a reason she's still in beta, afterall.
I'm not the only one thinking along these lines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Cook said he believes customers pay for Apple to make certain choices on their behalf, such as a system's security and stability.
Tim gets it 100%. So pumped for WWDC!
Quote:
Originally Posted by VL-Tone
Isn't it what they've been doing ever since they released the iPhone OS SDK? Anyone remembers how restrictive it was at first? There are hundreds of things that iOS devs can now do that they couldn't back in 2008.
Exactly! This is out blown, so-called news.
Multi tasking comes to mind, yes. First only for available to stock apps, later for 4rd party apps.
Good to read, thanks for the link.
Well this I agree with, it is one of the reasons I've stayed with iPhone. In any event Apple has been continuously opening APIs and adding new ones as they stabilize. Frankly question like this is vain attempt to get Cook to spill the beans on something. A fishing expedition if you will. When was the last time something to do with religion ever censored? Censorship by the government is certainly wrong but a business is free to run the way they please. If Apple wants a kids safe store good for them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlituna
As long as these are downloadable options that I can choose not to bloat up my devices with I say go for it. I still think they should be vetted by Apple, go through the App Store etc.
A great idea my cousin had was make keyboards etc downloads as needed. And things like fonts, iMovie themes, pages templates. And give more options.
She did a whole little series on ideas for iOS 7 if anyone cares to take a look.
http://wearefangirls.blogspot.com/search/label/Apple
After reading your cousin's blog I get the impression that what she really needs is an Android device.
Just sayin'...
http://iyasam.com/main/ios-7yi-jonathan-ive-tasarladi-tim-cook-d11de-teyit-etti/
Quote:
Originally Posted by stike vomit
After reading your cousin's blog I get the impression that what she really needs is an Android device.
Just sayin'...
Are all the improvements she wants in iOS really in Android already - if so Apple is really doomed.