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From the launch of the iPhone, users have been asking for and expecting third-party apps. Considering that Apple sees the iPhone as a mini computer system (as do quite a few users), it only makes sense that Apple allow people to develop programs for it. And they will...starting in February.

In an article at apple.com, Apple CEO Steve Jobs puts it this way: "Let me just say it: We want native third party applications on the iPhone, and we plan to have an SDK in developers' hands in February. We are excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users."

Why February? Steve explains it'll take that long to provide an advanced and open platform to developers while also protecting iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc. That Apple...always looking out for us.

Personally, I'm willing to wait until February before they get the software development kit out there, and even longer before the programs start coming our way if it means enhanced security on a device with the sole purpose of reaching out to connect to other devices. I'm sure this is also an issue of control for Apple, but that's not always a bad thing. There are so many viruses for the PC versus the Mac not necessarily because the Mac is a more secure platform, but because it's a less attractice target for hackers. That obviously won't be the case with the iPhone.

Steve continues, "Some companies are already taking action. Nokia, for example, is not allowing any applications to be loaded onto some of their newest phones unless they have a digital signature that can be traced back to a known developer. While this makes such a phone less than 'totally open,' we believe it is a step in the right direction. We are working on an advanced system which will offer developers broad access to natively program the iPhone's amazing software platform while at the same time protecting users from malicious programs."

Fair enough, but if Apple does go this route, it could mean that programs not sanctioned by Apple simply won't work. For example, programs that allows you to customize your ring tone without going through iTunes may not get the green light from Apple, and would therefore never make it to your iPhone.

So, this could play out many different ways. We'll just have to wait until February and the following months to see what is made available to us, and how it's made available.

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