Apple vs Free Software

The iPhone will soon turn into a device that could replace the computer for a lot of users, but that won't happen in an instant. Why am I saying this? Well, the hardware inside Apple's smartphone already can do a lot, and the software platform is getting better with each version. Hmmm...if I'll be able to create a logo for free on the iPhone with the help of some nice software, maybe I'll get one pretty soon, but it seems the Cupertino-based company has something against free iPhone software. What's wrong with that? Well, let's try to take a closer look at the whole deal, shall we?

As a side note, Apple has just become 3rd worldwide smartphone provider, and in the US they even managed to grab the 2nd place, according to research firm Gartner. What does that mean, in numbers? Well, think about over 1.7 million units sold in the first quarter! Considering this, it shouldn't be a surprise that a lot of people are typing "free iPhone software" in Google these days, and there are going to be even more doing it in the future, as more and more software companies get into the game. Isn't that just great?

According to people familiar with Apple's iPhone Developer Program quoted by AppleInsider, those companies involved in this program are being assigned a liaison, or "development partner." The catch is that those liaisons seem to be anything else but technical contacts, but they are suggesting developers to consider a price tag for their applications "at some point."

Even more, Apple will allow (and probably encourage) developers to submit more than just one version for their applications, probably a fully-featured commercial one, and free limited versions, no matter if we call those trial, shareware, and so on.

Obviously, Apple doesn't offer anything for free. While the App Store will have some running costs, developers will keep 70 percent, and Apple will get the remaining 30 percent. Unfortunately for them, 30 percent out of 0 won't help much...

Now, don't jump out of that chair yet - I am sure Apple will not completely forbid free applications from being posted on App Store, but after all, that's why a store exists - to sell stuff, and not give it away!

I just ask myself one thing - why all this talk regarding Apple's App Store, since there should be enough places on the Web for free iPhone software? Or am I missing something? Yes, I know - the App Store may become a "software iTunes Store" if Apple does everything right, so I am completely dazzled and confused.

I hope that Steve Jobs' keynote will clear a lot of things, including the above, but if you know more than I do, feel free to drop your comments below!