When the iPhone came out, hackers immediately started exploiting its security flaws. And many were annoyed by the fact that the iPhone was limited to only AT&T customers so hackers from all over the world sought a way to make the iPhone compatible with their telecommunications providers.
Apple responded by banning all independent third-party applications after users updated to Apple iTunes Firmware 1.1.1. This software essentially detected which iPhones were tampered with and made them no more useful than a brick, hence the nickname iBrick.
Apple fanboys and girls across the nation were not pleased. And Gizmodo even told its readers not to buy the iPhone as a result. Third-party applications are what made the iPhone so intriguing and unique.
Ever since the banning of the third-partyy applications, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was pressured to make a statement about it. Therefore, Apple announced yesterday that they plan to release a Software Developer Kit (SDK) by February.
“It will take until February to release an SDK because we’re trying to do two diametrically opposed things at once—provide an advanced and open platform to developers while at the same time protect iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc. This is no easy task. Some claim that viruses and malware are not a problem on mobile phones—this is simply not true. There have been serious viruses on other mobile phones already, including some that silently spread from phone to phone over the cell network. As our phones become more powerful, these malicious programs will become more dangerous. And since the iPhone is the most advanced phone ever, it will be a highly visible target,” said Jobs in his letter.
There is even a list of top web apps for the iPhone to show how serious Apple is about allowing third parties once again. And when the SDK in February lands, we’ll find out what the limitations are for the third party apps.
