Since I posted [predictions][predictions], I feel like I have to post a
post-game summary as well:
{: .itemized }
Code Signing
: Mostly correct. Your code must be signed to be distributed through iTunes,
and Apple does intend to prevent you from distributing your app through any
other channel. The difference is that you get your certificate as part of
your (paid) iPhone Developer Program membership — and for less than you can
usually get a code signing certificate.
Student / Hobbyist Developers
: The text of my prediction was correct, but the spirit of it was wrong. You
can, technically, develop your application without paying a penny to
anyone — but only if you don’t intend to test it on a device.
Paid and Displayed
: Same as above, basically. Apple created a new paid developer program, which
wasn’t really what I meant.
Xcode
: Partially correct. There are new tools, and some of the existing ones do
get new tricks — but Apple seems to be throwing the whole mess of tools
into this endeavor. Sure, Interface Builder isn’t in the current beta, but
I totally didn’t expect Instruments to be included.
What’s in a name?
: This was from a list of additional predictions I had that I thought weren’t
worth posting an update or sequel post. This OS does get an official
name — it’s referred to all through the docs as “iPhone OS”.
Here are some other interesting points from my reading so far:
- Xcode has its own list of devices (perhaps not surprising) that you have to
add you device to by plugging it in with Xcode running.
- You create your code signing certificate using the Certificate Utility in
Keychain Access, and then upload it to Apple’s servers (once you’ve joined
the program), and then download the signed one and add it to Xcode.
- While you’re downloading stuff, you’ll need to download your Profile as
well — to me this strongly implies that the exact nature of the
restrictions is negotiable (at least they are for the really big fish).
- I love really specific qualifiers on informational pages:
> The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available to a limited
> number of developers in the U.S. and will expand to other countries in
> the coming months.
_Limited?_ I know your developer.apple.com totally screwed from the load
after the announcement, but still. _In the coming months?__ Gosh. Is
that the same timeframe for when most of us would actually be permitted to
join?
[predictions]: http://zzot.net/2008/02/23/dartboard/