The Real iPhone Killer: Apple?

      by Wyatt Walter

Ever since the release of the iPhone, other cell phone companies have been trying to catch up. There have been dozens of phones deemed as iPhone killers, but they’ve all been just a regular cell phone with a fancy interface and a touch-screen. There are also smart phones that try to compete, but let’s face it, no other phone has the SDK, sleek interface, and easy one-stop-shop for applications for the phone. Of course, most non-smart phones don’t have the advantage of the open platform. Google has of course released its new phone OS which so far, reports have been somewhat negative towards the phone. It’s very similar and obviously meant to directly compete with the phone.

So, with this head start and momentum in the market, what could possibly stand in the iPhone’s way? The answer is simple: Apple itself. Apple controls what applications can be placed in the App Store on iTunes. While the platform is mostly open, the App Store is the only supported way to install applications. You can of course jail-break the device, but that’s not something I want to get into. Having Apple as the gateway to the App Store is a great way for Apple to achieve some sort of quality of service for the device, thus enhancing the user experience. However, just like every other solution, this has a downside.

Apple reserves the right and has used this right to reject applications submitted to the App Store. Apple has strict guidelines for what applications can be added and as of late, it seems like there’s also a secret check-list. Several well-known applications got rejected recently which caused quite a commotion and some backlash. Recently, rejected developers have revealed that Apple has placed all rejection notices under an NDA so no one can disclose why the application was developed. Even if the applications that are rejected are done so for valid reasons, how are other developers going to avoid the pitfalls that others have fallen in? Just like the famous saying, history is bound to repeat itself, especially if that history is forbidden to be shared. Without clear and concise criticism of applications that get rejected, what serious developer is going to put any time into an application that may or may not be accepted? Heck, even Steve Ballmer knew the secret years ago to extending a platform: developers.

I would imagine that a good majority of developers will follow, but at least one iPhone developer has made a stand already and it’s all over the blogosphere. How long will Apple continue down this path? I’m an Apple fan, but let’s be real here. I’m not sure that even its arch-nemesis Microsoft would get away with this. This closed doors policy is definitely a classic Apple move, but the smart phone industry could be at stake here. What possible future could an “open platform” device have if no one develops for it? When Apple unveiled the new iPhone they claimed that the only thing that could beat the iPhone was the iPhone.. I’m not sure that they meant it quite like this.

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Filed under Tech Trends : Comments (4) : Sep 24th, 2008

4 Responses to “The Real iPhone Killer: Apple?”

  1. Eric Lee Says:
    September 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm

    I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

  2. Apple Gives a Little on Its NDA | What a n00b! Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    [...] week I talked a bit about the potential damage Apple could be doing to its iPhone by making potential developers for the platform angry. Apple today has finally lifted part of the [...]

  3. Chuck Says:
    October 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Dude, Android is where it’s at. It’s actually getting really good reviews…n00b.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVHcybbuKCo&feature=user

  4. Wyatt Walter Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 12:42 am

    Yes, but the iPhone isn’t going anywhere without either some healthy competition or some bad business practices from Apple. My point was that without a developer community behind it the iPhone or Android or any other phone (or any other type of platform for that matter) is doomed.

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