iPhone apps not just from Apple « The BEST Apple Hardware and Software Reviews

Written By Justin April 3rd, 2009

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With the sales of iPhones only increasing, Apple is faced with the growing reality as developers decide to set-up online to sell unauthorized apps for the device.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that a new service, Cydia Store, is planning a launch to sell hundreds of applications. These applications aren’t available from Apple – instead, they require “jail-broken” iPhones, that have added software that modifies the device to be able to detour from apple-only apps.

Another developer, Rock Your Phone, has the same idea, except the phones need not be modded. Other companies, surely, aren’t far behind.

Apple’s own iPhone store, App Store, was launched in July, and quickly surpassed the 500 million mark after just over six months. The store conception has allowed for Apple to provide building blocks for companies and developers to build new apps, but maintain control over the quality and content. Apple collects 30% commission from the sellers on its store.

Not all developers, however, are accepted. The App Store rejects some offers, based on content or technical reasons. As a result, designers get frustrated and turn to independent stores who will sell their product.

Many of the applications are free at the App Store, and thousands more at about 99 cents. Cheap for phone owners, but the profits quickly add-up for developers.

Apple isn’t too keen on the new stores cropping up, and the Journal noted that they appear to have their eyes on a legal case. Last month, they filed a statement to the U.S. Copyright Office, outlining that modded iPhone software is illegal, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Cydia Store’s Mr. Freeman is ready for Apple. “The overworking goal is to provide choice,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “It’s understandable that [Apple] wants to control things, but it has been very limiting for developers and users.”

Source: Wall Street Journal

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