Could the iPad Bring Unhappy Software Developers Back to Apple?

“I plan to make Podcaster for the Android operating system. At least there, I will be welcomed instead of being walked all over.” -Alex Sokirynsky, developer of Podcaster

Many software developers have experienced issues with Apple because of the strict and sometimes inconsistent policies they maintain when it comes to the App Store approval process. Other operating systems such as Google’s Android and Nokia’s Symbian offer a more open alternative for App development, but they do not have a hugely popular platform (like iTunes) or the extensive content to seriously compete with Apple.

With the recent release of the iPad, predicted to be the leader in the tablet market, there are more reasons than ever for developers to deal with Apple’s policies. The iPad’s larger screen and more diverse and functional touchscreen capabilities promise to make it the best device for Apps yet, but will the iPad’s advantages in market share and functionality be enough to convert some very unhappy developers to finally give in and build for the platform?

This graph shows an increase in the percentage of new App projects that were started for Apple in January, when the iPad was first unveiled, but does not specify if the buzz over the iPad resulted in more Apps developed by current iPhone OS developers or if some have been converted from Android or other places.

While some may think that modifying an App to appease Apple is not a big deal, others, such at Tim Bray, former Sun Microsystems employee and new hire to Google’s Android team, feel differently. He has been quoted saying Apple offers a “sterile Disney-fied walled garden surrounded by sharp-toothed lawyers” and went on to simply and strongly say, “I hate it.”

If you were a developer and had to choose, would you rather have the freedom to create an App on your own terms and market it to a smaller audience, or conform to Apple’s rules in exchange for access to their built-in market?

Tim Allan is an intern with GY&K. He is currently a full-time student at Plymouth State University, graduating this spring with a major in Business Administration.

Tags: Apps, GY&K, iPad

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 at 8:04 am and is filed under Pop Culture, Q & A, Trendspotting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

David

I would suppose it depends entirely on your sense of your own purpose as a developer. If you are an "artiste" and need the freedom to find the full flower of your creative expression, unbound by the base requirements of a profit and loss statement...sure. Skip the whole i-thing.

But if you wanna run up a huge score in the game that is business, you pull up your panties and play by the rules that apply to the league you are in. If you wanna play in the big leagues, and make big league money, you gotta play by the big league rules -- it doesn't matter who is making the rules. They are the rules.

On the other hand, if you don't mind staying in the minors, and making minor league money, I guess it's more power to you.