Apple Releases iPhone SDK 3.2
Members of Apple's
iPhone Developer Program now have access to the iPhone OS SDK 3.2
GM (Golden Master). Considering this is the first version of the operating
system to support the iPad, this is a big deal. It's also perfect timing, since
the first round of iPads
hits store shelves this weekend.
Before this update became available, developers had to code their apps using beta versions of the tools. If a developer wanted their app to be available in time for the April 3 launch of the iPad, they had to finish their apps using the pre-release SDK.
In addition to the SDK, developers can also download the official iPad 3.2 firmware and corresponding licensing agreement, which hints at terms for future firmware upgrades on the iPad. The agreement states:
"Apple will provide you any iPad OS software updates that it may release from time to time, up to and including the next major iPad OS software release following the version of iPad OS software that originally shipped from Apple on your iPad, for free."
Put another way, it appears Apple intends to provide one major firmware revision at no cost. Beyond that, there's potential Apple could charge for further updates.
Before this update became available, developers had to code their apps using beta versions of the tools. If a developer wanted their app to be available in time for the April 3 launch of the iPad, they had to finish their apps using the pre-release SDK.
In addition to the SDK, developers can also download the official iPad 3.2 firmware and corresponding licensing agreement, which hints at terms for future firmware upgrades on the iPad. The agreement states:
"Apple will provide you any iPad OS software updates that it may release from time to time, up to and including the next major iPad OS software release following the version of iPad OS software that originally shipped from Apple on your iPad, for free."
Put another way, it appears Apple intends to provide one major firmware revision at no cost. Beyond that, there's potential Apple could charge for further updates.
