Apple announces iPhone SDK launch

Apple is finally going to open up the iPhone to the eager developers. The company sent out invitations that read, “Please join us to learn about the iPhone software road map, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features.” Apple will be holding a meeting at its Cupertino headquarters to talk about the device.

Although there is no assertion, since the invites did not clearly mention the iPhone SDK but it is likely to be revealed at 10 A.M. on Thursday, March 6. Besides information on the SDK, Apple is expected to unveil the approval process for applications, and information on how the applications will be distributed.

The iPhone had created a buzz in the mobile market on its release but the popularity gradually faded because of Apple’s attempt to restrict the users to a service that the company chooses.

Analysts were becoming skeptical if the iPhone would be able to sell its target 10 million units. Revealing the iPhone SDK could help boost the sales and enable Apple to reach its target.

The entertainment features of the iPhone are largely appreciated and the SDK release is only supposed to enhance it further.

The cell phone makers, until now were largely focused on the hardware versions of their phone instead of improving the applications or the software platform. With iPhone SDK, Apple could probably shift the focus from hardware to applications.

The message sent by the company is rather vague and is therefore leading to all kinds of anticipations including better e-mail support, enhanced security and also partnerships with mobile enterprise software makers. Steve Jobs hopefully has enough interesting substance to reveal in the conference tomorrow. What actually is the consequence, only time will tell.