| View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/09/23/apple.bars.app.sharing/ |
Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 6:50pm
Apple bars direct iPhone app distribution |
Continuing the ongoing drama revolving around the iTunes App Store, Apple recently announced it is blocking developers' abilities to distribute iPhone applications outside of iTunes. PhoneNews reports that Apple previously allowed developers to distribute apps directly to users by binding the software to the serial number of their iPhone. While Apple is within its rights to moderate the iTunes sales channel, moderating all venues of application deliver could land Apple in legal trouble over monopoly concerns.Apple is now observing similar practices to BREW carriers like Verizon, who offer closed software/hardware ecosystems, often called "walled gardens" in the industry. Verizon recently buckled to legal pressure in the matter, and now allows users to use any application they desire on their devices. |