Apple Is Transparent in Bid To Broaden iPhone's Reach - WSJ.com

"Apple Inc.'s iPhone boasts the power of a computer under its metallic-and-glass shell, including a stripped-down version of the software that runs Apple's Macintosh computers. Soon independent software makers will be able to harness that power themselves, in a development that could broaden the iPhone's appeal."

"Apple has invited the media to an event Thursday at the company's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, where it plans to present an "iPhone software roadmap." One of the event's highlights will be a software-development kit that will let independent programmers build iPhone applications, according to Apple's invitation.

Since the iPhone made its debut in June, software developers have bridled over how Apple hasn't allowed them to create programs that could tap into the device's full potential. To prevent viruses that could wreak havoc on the gadget, Apple has only allowed developers to make software that runs through the iPhone's Safari Web browser, but not more full-featured "native" applications that users could download and store on their phones.

In plain English, that means iPhone users have been stuck with hobbled software from independent developers. Although the applications that run through its Web browser are more secure, they can't be accessed when users are away from a wireless network."