Industry analysts see many strengths in the upcoming iPhone software upgrade, but the developers Macworld spoke with were more cautiously optimistic about the release.
The optimism comes from all of the new APIs - Application Programming Interface, or programming hooks provided by Apple - included with iPhone Software 3.0. Developers will be able to activate peer-to-peer connections, take advantage of in-app sales, embed Google maps, and control dock connectors, among other things.
Wright's company makes 4Track, an audio recording application designed for musicians, which he said will benefit from selling drum beats, amps, and effects to his customers without having them leave the app.
However, there are still questions about how this will all work. You'll definitell be able to buy add-ons for the app you are currently running, but what about when you are on the App Store in iTunes? Will the apps show available add-ons? Will add-ons be shown separately from the parent application? Can you purchase add-ons in iTunes or only from inside the app?
The new business model is doing more than just giving developers another source of revenue, it's actually turning the tide for some of them.
"The equation that balances development effort with expected income was getting pretty brutal," said independent iPhone developer, Jason Harris.
"I'd been getting pretty close to giving up on iPhone development due to the sinking prices that applications were selling for. The new business models included in this release definitely bring me back into the game."
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