Apple has revealed that downloads of its iPhone SDK (Software Development Kit) have topped more than 250,000 since its launch on 6 March. The iPhone SDK provides developers with the same set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools that Apple uses to create its native applications for iPhone. Apple has also announced that its new App Store will be available in 62 countries, offering a new way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications directly to iPhone and iPod touch users around the world. Users can download applications wirelessly and start using them immediately.
Developer reaction to the features, power and simplicity of the iPhone SDK has been incredible, says Philip Schiller, Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. We are seeing some truly amazing native apps from our developers and think users are going to love the breadth and depth of the applications available from the App Store.
Apple says that leading developers such as AOL, Cisco, eBay, Electronic Arts, Epocrates, TypePad, Salesforce.com and Sega have demonstrated impressive native applications developed using the iPhone SDK.
The SDK allowed us to build a groundbreaking new AIM client in record time, says Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL. The platforms elegance and ease of use has inspired our developers to create innovative new web- and SDK-based experiences for iPhone and iPod touch.
Jonathan Backer, Manager of Mobile Engineering at The Walt Disney Company, says that after working with hundreds of other mobile devices, developing for iPhone is a breath of fresh air.
The hardware is stable and full-featured, while the software development tools are intuitive and represent a level of polish rarely seen in the mobile arena, says Backer.
The free beta iPhone SDK can be downloaded here. Membership to the iPhone Developer Program is available worldwide. Developers set the price for their applications, including the option of making them free – and retain 70% of all sales revenues.