… And quite a few other psuedo-platforms
From the Apple 4.0 SDK (beta):
3.3.1 — Applications may only use Documented APIs in the manner prescribed by Apple and must not use or call any private APIs. Applications must be originally written in Objective-C, C, C++, or JavaScript as executed by the iPhone OS WebKit engine, and only code written in C, C++, and Objective-C may compile and directly link against the Documented APIs (e.g., Applications that link to Documented APIs through an intermediary translation or compatibility layer or tool are prohibited).
I continue to be pleased with the iPad, and I don’t even own – or plan to buy – one!
#1 by jgl on April 9, 2010 - 4:04 am
Is it just me, or does it seem like mono is a solution looking for a problem?
#2 by Jason on April 9, 2010 - 4:13 am
I'd say mono is a problem and just stop there.
#3 by Lex on April 9, 2010 - 3:29 pm
These rules are a joke. If you develop an app that directly competes with apple, they will block it. They wont even give you a reason, they will simply lock you out.
#4 by Leynos on April 9, 2010 - 9:57 pm
The trouble is, it also precludes writing an iPhone/iPad app in Haskell, Erlang, Io, or what have you.
Apple's general weirdness about these kind of things is the main reason I can't bring myself to buy an iPhone. This being despite the fact that really enjoy writing in Objective C.
#5 by Jason on April 9, 2010 - 10:34 pm
Leynos,
Thank you for your comment!
I don't see it as a trouble at all! I'm quite pleased that Apple is ever more forthcoming on how closed and restrictive their platform — indeed, their vision of computing — is, and delighted that it disturbs those who poo-poo the concept of Free Software!
I can hardly think of a better example to make the value of Free Software concrete than Apple's recent actions, and so I strongly hope that they continue to restrict and diligently enforce such rules.
#6 by Brandon on April 11, 2010 - 11:00 pm
Well said Jason! I have always been annoyed that all Apps must be pre-approved and signed, but now they must be written in a pre-approved language!
I'm no programmer, but even I see how wrong and restrictive that is. Does Apple want to get the attention of the FTC?
I've never been an Apple "fanboy" but after this, and so many other recent examples I would no longer call myself an Apple customer.
Looks like I made the switch to Android just in time
#7 by Debt Management on June 3, 2011 - 7:55 pm
Apple continues to frustrate many developers and the situation with their Apps goes beyond the joke. I hope that Android takes off and teaches Apple to value developers more.