Apple prods developers to charge for iPhone, iPhone 2 apps
With the World Wide Developers Conference 2008 just a few days away, the iPhone buzz has reached a deafening roar. Though the iPhone 2 is expected to bell of the ball, Steve Jobs should be unveiling the long-awaited iPhone Apps store. In an interesting move, those apps might not be free, as Apple is encouraging developers to charge for their products.
What’s even more confusing is that it would seem that many developers actually intend (or intended) to release many applications free of charge to iPhone users, according to the Apple Insider. Those well-intentioned developers are being encouraged by Apple to either charge for their applications up front, or begin charging for downloads after being initially released for free.
Apple Insider believes the company is trying to cover the costs of opening the Apps store. Apple will charge developers 30% of sales profits, which will undoubtedly be used to cover operational costs associated with such a large-scale undertaking.
However, Apple has always been known for working hand in hand with developers to create a more friendly and open relationship between consumers, Apple, and the developers. One of the greatest things about Apple’s user and developer communities is that many applications are of the best quality and still free.
Obviously its fair for Apple to ask for something in return for creating the Apps store, even if it is just to cover costs. However, it does put a little spin on Apple’s normal image of being consumer-friendly. Maybe this is nothing and Steve Jobs will cover it up with a wave of the iPhone 2 at this year’s WWDC, but maybe not.
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