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Apple going hands off on free iPhone applications – no regulation on free apps

By: , IntoMobile
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 PM

free iPhone SDK applications go through less approvalWe already know that Apple will be keeping a tight leash on third-party applications developed using its official iPhone SDK – Apple is the gatekeeper, inspector, judge, jury, and middle-man in this whole iPhone SDK distribution deal. That’s right, Apple will be taking cut of all commercial iPhone application revenue.

But, now we’re hearing that Apple will be taking a hands-off approach to free iPhone applications. Electronista‘s sources are indicating that commercial (premium) iPhone applications and free iPhone apps will be held to different approval processes. Well, more specifically, Apple will subject premium iPhone applications to an as yet unknown approval process, while free software will be subjected to less (if any at all) scrutiny.

All iPhone applications, even free software, will still be distributed through iTunes – strengthening the Apple iTunes’ role as an all-in-one services portal for all Apple devices. And, requiring less regulatory red-tape for free iPhone applications should (if it turns out to be true) bolster iPhone development.

The question remains, how will Apple handle liability for these free applications? Without much oversight on Apple’s part, we imagine that Apple would want to distance itself from these free applications. It’s not too far-fetched to think that free iPhone apps will come with a disclaimer that absolves Apple of any liability or support should a free iPhone application crash, brick, or otherwise harm your iPhone.

[Via: Electronista]

About The Author

Will Park

Will hails from The City of Angels - Los Angeles, California. He spends his time playing with his numerous gadgets and looking forward to seeing what future holds for mobile technology. An avid promoter of a fully "digital" life, he promotes the widespread adoption of truly mobile, paper-less living. He dreams of the day when he can go completely digital. No more snail mail, paper receipts, bound books, notepads/spiral notebooks, credit cards, hard currency. He's a digital warrior - fighting for the converged life. He is an idealist and a realist - he has a perfect view of what the world should be but knows that the world is not perfect. Can we ever hope to see Will's dream become reality? We'll see...

  • Joe Stromble

    When are these apps coming? It’s been forever! :!: :?:

  • suhas

    I want apple iphone application

  • purushotham

    I need iPhone applications

  • some dude in queens

    glad i waited for the tmobile g1