PhoneGap vs. App Store

An disproportionate number of titles based on PhoneGap have been rejected at the App Store, say developers. The open-source platform allows for the creation of apps compatible with multiple cellphones, as a result of being based on JavaScript and HTML. Several reasons may exist, however, for Apple issuing rejection letters, the developers propose.

Among these may be a present incompatibility of PhoneGap with the iPhone 3.0 beta, although Apple only recently began instructing developers that new submissions should be compatible. The company may also dislike the "online" mode in PhoneGap, which can theoretically allow developers to update apps after they have already been submitted. It is said though to be common practice for coders to withdraw and resubmit an app with each update.

It is also argued that Apple may not like the presence of cross-platform apps, which invalidate any special advantage the iPhone may have over devices like the Palm Pre. Analysts have argued that the primary draw of the iPhone is its software, rather than hardware; it is thought however that with regard to PhoneGap, it is likely only technical issues that are providing a convenient anti-competitive bonus. Successful submissions may resume once compatibility issues are smoothed out.

by MacNN Staff