Developers Flock to iPhone App Funding

But worries emerge about Apple's tight rules, lack of support

By Lucas Laursen, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 12, 2008 12:44 PM CDT

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Developers Flock to iPhone App Funding — Hotel booking companies and others have launched their own applications for use on the iPhone. But developers say their hands are tied by too Apple's restrictive policies. (Associated Press)

Developers have swamped venture capitalists who announced a $100 million fund for iPhone applications last week. But many of them say Apple has made the job difficult. Developers must use the software development kit issued by Apple, and they say the restrictive terms prevent them from sharing advice on user forums, and that Apple’s support has been abysmal.

Applications for the iPhone can range from blogging software to live weather and traffic updates. Developers are not permitted to “disseminate any confidential information to anyone” other than co-workers. Google’s Android phone software agreement is less restrictive, reports BusinessWeek. But the opportunities are big enough that firms are taking tentative steps in the hope that Apple will clear things up. (More iPhone stories.)

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