Gizmodo
All of the awesomeness you've been reading about—from an AIM client to Enterprise goodness—will be coming your way in June with the final 2.0 software update. For free! Unless you've gotta an iPod touch, then due to those nefarious "accounting practices" you have to pay to get the update. Again! ($20? less? more? You should've just gotten the phone, asshole.)
Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta Includes SDK & Built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSyncCUPERTINO, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today previewed its iPhone(TM) 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.
"We're excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iPhone's enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device."
The iPhone SDK provides developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod(R) touch. Starting today, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac(R). Apple today also introduced its new iPhone Developer Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.
With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. The iPhone SDK will allow developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone's groundbreaking Multi-Touch(TM) user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver truly innovative mobile applications.
Apple has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that iPhone will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists. Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. The iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.
The iPhone 2.0 software provides a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services.
The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications — including free — and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.
The iPhone SDK provides a reliable, fast and secure way to create innovative applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode(R) for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.
During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple's new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year.
In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.
Pricing & Availability
Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications. The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded at developer.apple.com/iphone/program. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program (http://www.apple.com/iphone/enterprise).
Comments
i hope the ipod fee will be like the 802.11n update to macbooks and only cost $1.99 for "accounting purposes"
I'll say it again - once you pay for all the touch upgrades you'll have an iPhone (but yes, monthly service plan, blah blah)
if some pre written apps for iPhone cost $20, we will be looking at $50 for this!
asshole? now that's harsh :)
These upgrade fees are bullshit, plain and simple. I can't believe the Apple fanboy culture allows them to get away with it. Every other company somehow manages to provide firmware/software updates and not violate any accounting laws, so why can't Apple?
Implied: You should've just gotten the phone, asshole.
Quoted. For. Truth.
steve jobs you capitalistic bastard..... we iPod touch users are people too
Or maybe you don't really want an expensive phone (I use pre-paid and save $300 a year) and an expensive data plan to go along with it. The $20 'update' is actually cheaper than buying the phone w/data plan if you never use any of that stuff. All that being said, I look forward to bludgeoning Itunes into agreeing I don't want the $20 update.
JUNE????? are you kidding me?? I hope we have to wait even longer for the 3G iPhone....
If you read between the lines, I bet this is also the target date for the 3G iPhone.
Version 2.0 software coinciding w/ Version 2.0 iPhone.
Dearest Apple,
Take your iPod Touch fees and shove them up your "Designed In California" collective sphincters.
Or just wait till after June to buy a touch, it will prob get some type of hardware refresh then anyway or a price drop.
Way to fuck over the people who live in states where the iPhone isn't available, Steve. AT&T can kiss my ass as well.
Anybody else's link to download the SDK not working? I'm guessing they're getting HAMMERED with requests right now - I got far enough to register as a dev, but can't get the link to work...and can't wait to get my hands on it. VoiP, here we come.
WHAT IN THE **********ING HELL?
I ****ing hate Apple. ****.
Too bad I can't return my touch and get a goddamn iPod nano. If it is anything over a dollar or two, I swear I will go to the Apple Store and demand a refund. This is ****.
****.
BTW, 3G iphone is supposedly not even in the planning stages. uncle steve likes edge, for whatever reason.
Paying for the SW-upgrade for my touch will suck, BUT:
FREE iPhone/iPod touch apps!
If only half of the current jailbreak-requiring apps get ported to the platform...
Apple is so going to own RIM. Why? because they cut out the middle-man that RIM is. Companies won't have to pay for that service.
Apple is going to make so much money with this, and besides being angry because of the touch-paid-upgrade I cannot wait for all those apps to come.
Palm is dead. Almost. A pity, seriously.
Thanks, Apple. I'm starting to regret buying my Touch, and defiantly canceling any plans I had to buy future Apple products.
June? So much for Steve's "and its available...today".
Great, now when will we finally get a 3g phone to actually use them on?
Hey iphone early adopters paid theirs too...remember the huge price drop that we all got smacked with? Even with that "gift card", I still took a 200 dollar bath in exchange for 100 dollar gift certificate with limitations (couldnt buy itunes shit with it, for example)
Now who wants to bet that the June 2.0 software update will arrive with the second generation iPhone?
@Mitch:
Every time I click on the link to the developers site I get a " server down" message from firefox.
Can't even register as a developer :(
Probably because I'm located in Sweden ;(
@JaggedToaster:
Jail Breaking is your friend :)
@taoprophet420: Waiting till at least June before I get my touch.
I really wish someone from Apple would just spell it out in plain english why they have to charge for touch updates but not the iPhone. If it was an reasonable explanation based on something factual, then I think most of us that bitch about the touch upgrade fees would know there was a valid rhyme and reason for it.
Until then, it's bitch, bitch, bitch.
@Mitch: 3G phone is obviously in development. And version 2.0 softwares would obviously benefit from faster downloads... makes sense.
frigg - I dont disagree, but SUPPOSEDLY it's not even on the drawing board. That having been said, we all know how macrumors run wild, so for all I know it could be coming out next week.
Wow, time for iPod Touch owners to bend over again.
Lol @ "You should've just bought the phone, asshole."
Why does Apple hate it's iTouch customers?...
@awesomerobot: not really i have a 499 iphone... jailbroken with ziphone and im happier than ever before, oh ya i get to wait a few extra days before upgrading to new firmwares but who cares
Bluetooth Profiles? A2DP? Linking to GPS units?
Mitch if you do any kind of freelance work and have write-offs you can get that $200 back.
i'm fine with edge on my blackberry, i get all my emails and i can browse fast enough to give the cab driver a cross street to my destination. why is everyone so obsessed with 3G? what i really want is Exchange on the iphone, and if i'm getting that well i'll consider buying one...finally
j1234 - couldnt agree more. Exchange support is HUGE on this one. The 3G has never really been all that big of a deal to me - I found edge to be acceptable, mostly using the web browsing and whatnot when I'm on wifi anyway.
Outlook and VPN support are HUGE..and I'm sure that has RIM execs jumping out windows across the nation as they're getting the news about it.
Couldnt agree more - exchange support is the shizzle on this one. Rim execs are hanging themselves and jumping out windows as we speak.
And people still trust Apple... after it's apparently charging for updates is common practice...
Onouris - apple has sortof been changing the rules as they go along on this one. First the price drop on the iphone, then charging for the big updates to the ipod touch...very odd to see. They start charging me to update my OSX with patches, THEN I'll get miffed.
Look people, don't blame Apple for charging for iPod Touch upgrades. Blame CONGRESS. They were the ones that came up with the new Sarbanes-Oxley accounting rules for devices like this. Basically devices that have subscription services get accounted for differently than things you pay-in-full for at purchase. So since you are paying Apple every month for the privilege of an iPhone, you get upgrades free. If you buy an iPod Touch, then they have to account for it differently. Simple as that. Ipod Touches can get tweaks and bug fixes for free, but that's about it. If you want the law changed, find your nearest House/Senate member and complain to them.
And before you say "well, no one else does it this way", well how many people make a device like the iPod Touch that's upgradable like this? Anyone? [crickets chirping] Exactly. Not to mention Apple is still being investigated by the SEC and Justice Department over that old backdating thing. Sure, nothing's going to come from that, but you don't thumb your nose at the letter and spirit of accounting rules while you're undergoing an audit from the Feds.
@Mitch:
Nahh...
There too busy RIMming each other over all the coin they're making..
"BTW, 3G iphone is supposedly not even in the planning stages. uncle steve likes edge, for whatever reason."
this has to be one of the most retarded statements I've read in a while.
Steve has been saying from, oh, about a month into the iPhone release that the biggest drawback is the data speed. If you don't think a 3G model isn't in the works, you are insane.
Sevenfeet - I'm down with what you're saying, but for example:
an HP laptop - I'm not paying ongoing fees for it, but my HP software still gets updated regularly...as does windows, OSX etc....so how is that different? Not trying to give you grief, really wondering.
@chickenmcnuggetswhat:...people who didnt buy an iphone. You want all the cool iPhone capabilities, you're going to have to eaaaarn it.
Now bend over!
Some of us are iTouch customers not because we're A-holes but because we are stupid. Really stupid, so dump that we live is backwater stink-holes (like Vermont) It does suck that I'll have to fork over cash to get the update, but I can use the iTouch now, it would really suck to get an iPhone that wouldn't work at all.
I'm happy with what was said today. I only paid $200 for a 4gb iPhone from a friend six weeks ago. My purchase price did alleviate alot of anguish for what the phone lacks. Waiting 3 months for all the potential apps is ok by me. Gizmodo's coverage was good today also.
@aural:
"When we looked at 3G, the chipsets are not quite mature, in the sense that they're not low-enough power for what we were looking for. They were not integrated enough, so they took up too much physical space. We cared a lot about battery life and we cared a lot about physical size. Down the road, I'm sure some of those tradeoffs will become more favorable towards 3G but as of now we think we made a pretty good doggone decision."
Nuff said.
iPod touch users should be thankful. You bought an mp3 player that gets constantly upgraded functionality for mere pennies.
Look at those poor Zune users who don't even have the option of turning their doohickey into a PDA powerhouse.
Yes. You should be thankful for having to pay $20 twice in a nine month period.
LOL!
Maybe 3g is big because the rest of the world has this infrastructure in place, and the US is lagging behind technologically, as usual.
@Sevenfeet:
So... when Microsoft releases a Windows service pack that introduces major new features (I'm thinking along the lines of the firewall with XP SP2) or releases a new version of Internet Explorer (that comes with the OS), they should charge us for these new features in the form of an upgrade? I'm sure they'd love to do so, but they don't have a fanboy army that gives them a pass on crap like this.
@paul96734:
Excellent point.
@Franklin Comes Alive!:
THey do charge us. They install windows genuine advantage so I dont get those updates on my hacked software...erm...I mean...my legally licensed software.
FUCKING JUNE!! I HATE WHEN APPLE DOES THIS!!!!
Apple is trying really hard to loose me as a customer, and I wonder why. I really like my Touch and I didn't really want the first "upgrade" and I doubt I'll want this one either. However this continually asking for $20+ is on a gut level annoying, not to mention impossible to defend. Remember how MS treated Zune 1.0 buyers when Zune 2.0 came out (Hint: they gave the 2.0 firmware to 1.0 users for FREE), how can you make a case for Apple in light of facts like that.
Steve, it's time you started thinking about your customers again, before you don't have that many left.