According to several anonymous sources who contacted iLounge.com, it is reported that Apple are planning to use the March 6th conference to formally announce a “number of potentially controversial limitations on application development and publishing” in regards to the upcoming SDK.

It is believed these announced limitations will include that software distribution will only be possible through an iTunes ‘hub’ allowing Apple to act as the software gatekeeper giving them the ability to formally approve or deny any/all software releases:

While one source saw this as a positive for major developers, suggesting that Apple will be choked by application submissions and forced to give priority to releases from larger companies, another source disagreed, stating that Apple’s current approval processes for third-party products have resulted in lengthy, needless delays.

It is also suggested that there will be no accessory support, meaning that under current plans SDK developers will not have the ability to interface directly with dock-based accessories (GPS module, etc), though the iPhone’s own phone, Wi-Fi, and camera will be reportedly accessible.

iLounge also report that as previously rumored Apple will release an incomplete ‘beta’ SDK at the event (to selected media, analysts, and developers), with the full release kit now shiping in June to coincide with Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference event in San Francisco.

[via iLounge]

Post from: Talk iPhone - iPhone News Blog

iPhone SDK Details, iTunes Hub, Apple Will Control Software Releases